Sternal Closure Aid

WHAT IS IT

A device to reduce the risk of sternal wire breakage and mediastinitis.

shoulder lifter

HOW IT WORKS

An inflatable insert has been developed which has two shoulder bladders which fit underneath the left and right scapulae of the patient. The powered inflation pushes the shoulders up and together to a position where the surgeon can re-attach the two halves of the divided sternum.

Sternal closure aid features and benefits

BACKGROUND

Open cardiothoracic surgery requires the surgical resection of a divided sternum in order to close the thoracic cavity. This is achieved by tightening metal wires placed through the intercostal muscles forcing the divided edges into alignment.

PROBLEM

Theatre staff are required to keep the patient's shoulders raised for the ten minute procedure. Often, theatre staff are physically incapable of maintaining the patient's shoulders in position for the required length of time. High pulling forces may break the wire, requiring a new wire to be threaded at a different location increasing procedure time and placing the patient at more risk.

MARKET POTENTIAL

39,000 heart operations are carried out annually in the UK, 1,950 patients suffer from Mediastinitis (BHF). In the US, 700,000 open heart operations were carried out in 2005 (AHA).

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