One of the most common concerns patients have before surgery is simple: “How much pain will I be in?”
Today, I had the opportunity to share something remarkable.

With permission from this patient to post, he is just 24 hours after open-heart coronary bypass surgery via sternotomy—with chest tubes still in place—and reports essentially no pain.

How is this possible?

Through the use of cryoablation, a technique that uses controlled extreme cold to temporarily freeze the intercostal nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the chest wall. By interrupting those signals, we can dramatically improve postoperative comfort—without compromising safety or outcomes.

For this patient, it meant waking up comfortable… and staying comfortable.

This is more than just a single case. It reflects how thoughtful innovation, combined with surgical excellence, can fundamentally change the patient experience.

As surgeons, our goal is not only to deliver outstanding clinical outcomes, but also to improve recovery, reduce suffering, and help patients return to their lives as quickly and safely as possible.

The future of cardiac surgery isn’t just about what we do in the operating room—it’s about how our patients feel afterward.

Even in the darkest seasons, faith is what keeps our feet moving when our hearts feel heavy. This I’ve learned…

Not every day will offer clarity. Not every chapter will feel fair. But the light that guides us forward is often born in the very moments that test us the most.

Keep going. Keep believing. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.