Sternal wire closure by an instrumental method.

Abstract

Effective median sternotomy closure requires approximation of the sterum under appropriate tension in an expeditious manner. An instrument has been developed to provide tightening of applied sternal wires, allowing proper tension to be established. After tightening, the twisted wire is automatically trimmed by the instrument. The ease and reproducibility of this wire closure technic has allowed the method to be performed on a routine basis.