Temporary sternal stabilization device to prevent right ventricular rupture

Abstract

The invention relates to a sternal closure device for temporarily closing and stabilizing a sternum in between surgeries of the thoracic cavity wherein a C-shaped hook attaches to the outside of the portion of one side of a dissected sternum which is connected to an opposing C-shaped hook by a wire which may be readily cut with surgical scissors to allow physicians quick access to the thoracic cavity for surgical treatment. The device includes a stress measurement dial that allows physicians to evaluate the force needed for permanent closure fixation. The new and unique aspect of this invention is that it gives surgeons easy access to the thoracic cavity without worrying about the sternal bones fusing together between operations.

Claims

1. A reusable sternal stabilization device comprising: Two corresponding open hooks; Two corresponding cinching clip; Cable wire connector; Stress measurement dial, wherein the improvement comprises a small gap between the two sides of the dissected sternum to allow for repeated access to the thoracic cavity.

2. A reusable medical device according to claim 1, configured to temporarily stabilize the two sides of a broken sternum.

3. A reusable medical device according to claim 1, configured to allow for the insertion of medical grade paraffin gauze.

4. A reusable medical device according to claim 1, designed to alert the physician of motion or dehiscence using it's stress measurement dial component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0019] FIG. 1 shows the anterior view of a dissected sternum where the device secures the two dissected portions between planned surgical procedures.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows the device consisting of opposing hooks joined with a wire or similar connection.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the stress measurement dial that measures the pull force of the cinch clips on the sternum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] 1. A sternum stabilization device for securing parts of a sternum 1 consisting of: [0023] a. A device 6 consisting of four sets of clamps consisting of a hook generally C-shaped leg for fixation onto the outer surface of one portion of a dissected sternum and a cinch clip 5 with a plurality of teeth that then apply opposing force on the interior surface of the same portion of the sternum to secure the device onto one portion of a dissected sternum; [0024] b. A wire that connects the sets of clamps 2; [0025] c. The cinch clip 5 tightens to the sternum with a screw device 3 (the cinch clip is removable and is removed from the device if not medically necessary by fully removing the screw at the junction of the hook and the cinch clip 3); [0026] d. The clamps have a general C-shaped portion 4; [0027] 2. The device comprises of a means of crimping or otherwise tightening a wire that pulls the two portions of a dissected sternum together following surgery in the thoracic cavity 2; [0028] 3. The device contains a stress measurement dial that provides a visual communication of the pull force on the sternum 7; [0029] 4. The device is readily removable using surgical scissors by cutting the wire 2 that holds the device in place;