Sternal Closure

Motion stability

Partial or total sternotomy is used to gain a surgical approach for operations on organs of the mediastinum. Examples of operations include openheart surgery, coronary artery vein grafts and heart transplants. Total sternotomy means a longitudinal incision from the manubrium to the xiphoid.

Sternal closure with STRATOS sternum clip

Sternal closure with STRATOS impant bridge

Sternal closure with STRATOS sternal clip

Following longitudinal-axis sternotomy the „sternal halves“ are subjected to accurate reduction and fixed in proper alignment with one another.

For this purpose the sternal clip is designed for load-bearing, functionally efficient stabilisation of the sternum. Its use enables rapid mobilisation of the patient without restricting thoracic motion.

Clinical evidence was confirmed for the following indications:

Surgical stabilisation for sternal osteotomy
Chronic pain conditions in connection with incomplete ossification following sternal osteotomy

Sternal closure with STRATOS implant bridge

Primary stabilisation following sternotomy or following very off-centre sternotomy is achieved by affixing implant bridges. In this procedure the osteotomised sternum is pressed close together and stabilised by closure of the implant bridges.

Distance stabilisation is also achieved by affixing implant bridges. In this procedure the osteotomised sternum is not joined together but a gap is left between the two sides in order to support wound healing. The rib clips can be affixed far to the side of the osteotomy on the intact ribs, thus bridging the critical region and ensuring the required stability.

Application – STRATOS sternal clip

Closure with at least 5 clip segments, e.g. 1 titanium sternum triple clip and 1 titanium sternum double clip

The clip segments of the sternal clip grip the sternum by applying the clip segments in the intercostal spaces. The rombus-shaped centre bar, which connects the clip segments to one another, dissipates compressive forces and tensile forces of the sternum via the clip segments.

Advantages – STRATOS sternal clip

Technical advantages

Secure, functionally stable closure of the sternum Axial and horizontal displacements of the sternum halves are prevented
No damage through perforation
Different useful widths
Three-dimensional adaptation to the anatomy of the sternum
Interference-free imaging CT / MR

Mobilisation

The patient is mobile immediately after the operation
Pain relief through functionally stable fixation
No pain-related breathing restrictions
Rapid mobilisation of the patient without any motion restrictions
Reduction of postoperative wound infection

Application – STRATOS implant bridge

MedXpert always recommend three implant bridges for one sternal closure
an implant bridge comprises of two titanium rib clips and one titanium connecting bar
the titanium rib clips are selected according to the anatomical situation and placed on the left and right side on the ribs
after precise positioning and alignment of the titanium rib clips the titanium connecting bar is shortened to the particular length and introduced to the connectors of the titanium rib clips
the titanium rib clips are fixed in place on the rib
the titanium connecting bar is crimped onto the connectors of the titanium rib clips

Advantages – STRATOS implant bridge

primary management and distance-ensuring management possible
secure connection by crimping the connectors of the titanium rib clips to the titanium connecting bar
immediate functionally stable fixation
the patient is mobile directly after the intervention

Product catalog and information

Product catalogue

Download the complete product catalogue as PDF file.

ask the Xpert – why not ask the Xpert straight away?

With ask the Xpert you have 24/7 the possibility to ask us your questions, to receive information or forward information directly to us.

meet the Xpert – you would like to meet with us?

Sometimes it is better to talk face to face – as good things come from good conversations! Meet us at one of our events or visit us in Eschbach.