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A new method of sternal approximation
Author(s) -
Timmes Joseph J,
Wolvek Sidney,
Fernando Marco,
Bas Maurice,
Rocko Joyce
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(07)63157-3
Subject(s) - sternum , fixation (population genetics) , perforation , median sternotomy , closure (psychology) , medicine , surgery , materials science , composite material , market economy , population , environmental health , economics , punching
After sternotomy for a cardiac operation in adults, closure of the sternum is accomplished with five or six wire sutures with twisting of the wire ends. This method may not achieve rigid fixation of the sternum, and the bulky twisted wires may cause skin pain or actual perforation. We have developed a new method of approximating the split sides of the sternum using a new instrument, the Wolvek approximator. With this method rigid fixation is obtained and the ends of the wires are fixed by a small crimped metal plate. This method has been used clinically with success.