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| Drain inserter |
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| Means for improving biocompatibility of implants, particularly of vascular grafts |
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| Two piece balloon protector |
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| Device for applying pressure to a person's groin |
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Sternal closure device
| Details |
Inventors: Pasque, Michael K.;
Assignee:
Primary Examiner: Graysay; Tamara L.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kelly; Patrick D.
A surgical device and method are disclosed for closing the sternum following a median sternotomy. Instead of using stainless steel wire or a flat steel band, a strand of thin flexible suture material is used which is compressible in its radial dimension (either because of a hollow tubular shape, or due to solid material properties), while remaining strong and inelastic in its longitudinal dimension. The longitudinal strength may be maintained by using selected plastics, or by using nylon fibers or other materials for reinforcement. When not compressed, the strand has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the needle used to place the strand in position around the sternal halves, between the ribs. After insertion, the expandable suture material will provide gentle pressure against the surrounding tissue to minimize bleeding in the needle track. The soft suture material will also help cushion, distribute, and minimize the stresses and damage inflicted on the sternum or ribs during postoperative ambulation. A fastener device which provides additional advantages is also disclosed. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION I claim: 1.
A method of surgically reapproximating a sternal bone which has been divided into two or more segments, comprising the following steps: a.
providing a surgical needle and a radially compressible suture strand which is firmly coupled to the needle, wherein the needle has a size and shape suitable for positioning the suture strand around a sternal bone that has been divided into two or more sections, and wherein the thickness of the suture strand is greater than the thickness of the needle; b.
inserting the needle through tissue surrounding the sternal bone, thereby creating a needle track through said tissue; c.
emplacing the radially compressible suture strand in the needle track in a manner that (1) forms a loop around the sternal bone which has been divided, and (2) causes the radially compressible suture strand to exert gentle pressure against surrounding tissue, to minimize bleeding; d.
forming a plurality of such loops around the sternal bone; and, e.
securing the loops at a level of tension suitable for maintaining closure and healing of the sternal bone segments.
2.
The method of claim 1 wherein the suture strand is made of a flexible material having a hollow tubular shape.
3.
The method of claim 1 wherein the suture strand is made of an outer layer of compressible material which surrounds at least one inner reinforcing strand.
4.
The method of claim 1 wherein the suture strand is coated with a compound that can reduce friction as the suture strand is emplaced in the needle track.
5.
The method of claim 1 wherein the securing step further comprises: a.
providing a suture strand fastener device comprising a cylinder, a plunger which is slidably enclosed within said cylinder, and securing means to hold the plunger in a depressed position after the plunger is depressed, wherein the plunger contains a plunger orifice through which the suture strand can pass; b.
passing the suture strand through the orifice; c.
depressing the plunger into the cylinder in a manner which crimps the suture strand passing through the plunger orifice; and, d
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