C-Shaped Sternal Closure Device with Angular Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sternal closure after median sternotomy, such as using stainless steel wires, lead to complications like bleeding, sternal instability, and increased risk of infection due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of the procedures, as well as risks to the surgical team from sharp wires and needles.
Innovation Solution
A sternal closure and ribs approximator device featuring a C-shaped shaft with curvilinear arms and claw-shaped clamping elements that can be angularly displaced for secure grasping, providing a rapid, strong, and stable closure that can be easily removed during emergency re-explorations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thin stainless steel wires are used for sternal closure, then the sternum can be approximated and held closed, but the wires can cut through the bone leading to sternal instability and dehiscence
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped shaft is divided into multiple curvilinear arms (at least two arms) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each arm can be angularly displaced to independently engage with the sternal halves, distributing the closure force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on thin wire loops, thereby preventing bone cutting while maintaining closure strength
Solution Approach 2:
The curvilinear arms are designed to be angularly displacable relative to the C-shaped shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of the closure mechanism. This enables the arms to adapt to the specific geometry of the sternal halves and distribute forces optimally, preventing the rigid wire loops from cutting through bone while maintaining reliable approximation
2Ease of manufacture
If stainless steel wires are passed through parasternal tissue, then the sternum can be closed, but blood vessels can be punctured leading to severe bleeding and increased operating room time
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear arms are designed to engage with the sternal halves from the lateral aspects, taking the closure action away from the midline parasternal tissue where blood vessels are located. By extracting the needle-piercing step entirely and using external clamping action, the procedure eliminates vessel puncture risks while maintaining closure effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped shaft acts as an intermediary structure that connects the curvilinear arms to each other, allowing force transmission without direct needle penetration of the sternal tissue. This mediator structure enables closure while avoiding the harmful intermediate step of piercing blood-vessel-rich parasternal tissue
3Reliability
If multiple wires are used for sternal closure, then the sternum can be held closed, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple curvilinear arms are merged into a single integrated C-shaped shaft structure, combining the functions of multiple separate wires into one device. The arms work together as a unified mechanism to provide reliable sternal approximation while eliminating the complexity of passing and securing multiple individual wires
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped shaft with multiple curvilinear arms serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables angular adjustment for proper alignment, distributes closure forces across multiple points, and maintains sternal approximation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate wire loops while maintaining or improving closure reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a sternal closure and ribs approximator device, the device comprising:a substantially C-shaped shaft/bracket, said bracket comprising: a linear shaft and a pair of curvilinear arms at either ends of the shaft, respectively; anda pair of claw shaped clamping elements, each claw shaped clamping element coupling with an arm of the C-shaped shaft/bracket, near its end portion, said claw shaped clamping element being positioned such that the concavity of the claw faces the inner area determined by the arms of the C-shaped clamping shaft/bracket, the coupling being provided by means of a fastening mechanism such that angular displacement of the claw shaped clamping element about the pivoted fastening mechanism is provisioned, said claw shaped clamping elements adapted to be angularly displaced towards each other or away from each other.