Filing Information

Inventor(s)	Alex F. Wojciechowicz · Garth R. McDonald ·
Assignee(s)	Alto Development Corporation ·  View assignee updates
Attorney/Agent(s)	Woodbridge & Associates ·
Primary Examiner	Michael Powell Buiz ·
Assistant Examiner	Vikki Trinh ·
Application Number	US8884302
Filing date	06/27/1997
Issue date	11/03/1998
Predicted expiration date	06/27/2017
U.S. Classifications	606/224  · 606/226  ·
International Classifications	A61B 1700  ·
Kind Code	A
International Classifications	606224;225;226;227;228;232 ·

Patent Family

Abstract

A sternotomy suture comprises a loop which passes around a split sternum and is twisted until double cabling begins at which point the suture is fastened to itself. The loop preferably comprises a single strand of wire with one end welded to an intermediate point of said strand leaving a portion available for connection to the needle. A curved needle having a cutting tapered point is swaged to the free end of the single strand. Initially the wire is passed around the split sternum and the needle then removed with a pair of diagonal cutting pliers. A twisting tool, having a handle and a hooked portion, passes through the two free loops on opposite sides of the sternum. Twisting force is applied to the tool and transmitted through the hook to the suture causing it to twist and cable. The suture reaches its critical length L.sub.crit when the loop is fully cabled but before double cabling begins. At the onset of double cabling the loop reaches its maximum tension T.sub.crit. This is the signal to the surgeon to stop turning and to fasten the loop to itself. As a consequence, the resulting sternotomy suture is applied with optimal force. The loop is not too tight to cause discomfort and possible complications; nor is the loop too loose thereby creating an inferior bond.

Independent Claims | See all claims (1)

1. 1.1. A method of suturing a split sternum having a gap therein employing a suture in a form of a loop and a needle attached to said suture, said method comprising steps of:a. passing said needle and at least a portion of said loop around said sternum;b. cutting off said needle;c. attaching a tool through said loop, wherein said tool passes through at least two loop portions of said loop;d. twisting said tool and said loop portions until double cabling begins which corresponds to a constant force applied to said sternum;e. fastening said loop,wherein said loop tightly closes said gap in said sternum.