A surgical procedure for inducing continuous compressive force across two components includes inserting a braided superelastic wire through a first end of a channel that from a first component to a second component. The braided superelastic wire includes an unstretched length in a contracted state. The procedure also includes anchoring the braided superelastic wire at a second end of the channel opposite the first end and applying a predetermined amount of axial tension to the braided superelastic wire adjacent the second end of the channel. The axial tension stretches the braided superelastic wire to a stretched state having a stretched length that is longer than the unstretched length. The procedure also includes securing at least one free end of the braided superelastic wire adjacent the second end of the channel to maintain the predetermined amount of axial tension along the braided superelastic wire across the first component and the second component. The braided superelastic wire is configured to be biased toward the contracted state when in the stretched state such that a compressive spring force is applied by the wire while in the stretched state.

A sternal closure device includes an insertion member, a receiver member and a joint locking mechanism. The joint locking mechanism includes a dual pawl assembly and a dual ratchet assembly. The dual pawl assembly includes a pair of pawl arms that include heads with outward facing teeth. The dual ratchet assembly includes a pair of ratchet arms with inward facing teeth that are configured for an intermeshed engagement with the teeth on the corresponding pawl arms. Alignment tabs on the ratchet arms are captured within guide channels on the receiver member. The configuration and number of the teeth contribute to the strength of the device. The locking mechanism contributes to efficiency, speed, and strength of the closure.

Disclosed herein is an implant for bone fixation comprising an elongated member configured to be wound around bone parts that are to be fixed, an engagement member coupled to the elongated member and configured to engage a portion of the elongated member so as to secure the implant in a loop around the bone parts, and a fastening member arranged between and coupled to the elongated member and the engagement member. The fastening member comprises at least two separate pieces each comprising one opening for receiving a bone fastener, wherein the separate pieces are coupled to each other by a material having a lower material strength than a material from which the separate pieces are made.

A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

A production method for a medical linear member is provided which is not abraded upon production and which includes a flat shape in a cross section.

The method includes the steps of: forming a first spiral body (1) of an oval shape in a horizontal section by spirally winding a base body (3), in which a plurality of wires (2) formed of a shape-memory alloy is arrayed, around a winding core (4); subjecting the first spiral body (1) to first shape-memory treatment; cutting the first spiral body (1) into a first predetermined length; forming a second spiral body (5) of a flat shape in a horizontal section by compressing the first spiral body (1) in a direction along a short diameter; subjecting the second spiral body (5) to second shape-memory treatment; and removing the winding core (4) from the second spiral body (5).

A system for repairing separated body tissues includes a tensioning device comprising two proximal handles for grasping, a pair of movable distal tensioning tips, a pivot between the proximal handle and distal tensioning tips, and suture holding clamps proximal to the tensioning tips. The tensioning device is used in conjunction with a buckle with lock bars and a tensioning tab for securing and tensioning suture. The tensioning tab is provided to secure the lock bar in its first position until tension on the suture exceeds a predetermined level.

Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. Because the reinforcing members include extended regions having lateral edges that extend away from a midline of the respective reinforcing member, the closure members are moved away from the edges of the bone.

A prosthetic sternum device with a manubrium includes a plate and a device for attachment to ribs. Each of the devices for attachment to ribs includes an end for rigid connection to the plate and an end provided with a device for engaging with a rib. The plate further includes, in the upper region of same, two elements. Each element rigidly connects a pin and includes a polyaxial joint shaped to allow the multidirectional mobility of the pin.

An apparatus (10) for the correction of chest deformities is provided and includes a rib implant (26) for mounting to a rib, a sternal implant (22) for mounting to a sternum, and a first elongate member (24). The rib implant includes a first aperture (44) having a first axis (45). The sternal implant includes a second aperture (140) having a second axis (143). The first elongate member has a first end (152) adjustably received in the first aperture and a second end (150) adjustably received in the second aperture.

Disclosed herein are improved surgical techniques for repairing bone defects in a sternum during a sternotomy procedure and implants adapted for such techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, provided is a fusion strip made of an osteoconductive material and of a dimension that is especially adapted for improved repair of sternal bone defects.