Method and apparatus for closing a severed sternum

• US 6,540,769 B1
• Filed: 10/31/2001
• Issued: 04/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mavrek Medical LLC
• Original Assignee: Archibald S. Miller III
• Inventors: Miller, Archibald S. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Milano, Michael J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHANIJPHAND, GWEN G
• Application Number:
  US10/001,988
• Time in Patent Office: 517 Days
• Field of Search: 606/71, 606/216, 606/213, 606/72, 606/69, 606/220, 606/215, 606/221, 606/61, 606/74, 292/4, 292/5, 128/124.1, 243/70, 243/72, 243/73, 245/22, 244/56, 269/97
• US Class Current: 606/216
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8004 with means for distracting or compressing the bone or bones
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8076 for the ribs or the sternum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/823 for the sternum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/8655 with special features for locking in the bone
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/3488 Separately connected
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44573 including track or way guided and retained gripping member

Abstract

A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined first and second clamp structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surround a patient'"'"'s sternum each clamp having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, an end portion, a projection member, and a generally u-shaped receiving member wherein the end portions of each clamp member substantially extend toward one another when first and second clamp projection members are slidably received and secured in first and second clamp receiving chambers.

Claims

1. A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined first and second clamp structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two correspondingly positioned rib pairs substantially surrounding a patient'"'"'s sternum each clamp having a cross member a plurality of integrated leg and foot portions, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, an end portion, a projection member and a generally Ushaped receiving chamber wherein the end portion of said first clamp member substantially extends toward the end portion of said second clamp member when first and second clamp projection members are slidably received and secured in said first and second clamp receiving chambers.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said sternum engagement surfaces contacts the frontal portion of a sternum.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said sternum engagement surfaces contacts the posterior portion of a sternum.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said sternum engagement surfaces contact the frontal and posterior portion of a sternum.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said projection members and said receiving chambers further comprise a securing means to facilitate the operative securing of said first and second clamp structures to one another.

6. The surgical device of claim 1 wherein said clamp members are made from biocompatible material.

7. The surgical device of claim 6 wherein said material comprises a radiolucent biocompatible material.

8. The sternal closure device of claim 1 wherein said first and second clamp structures are sized and dimensioned to engage opposite sides of a patient'"'"'s severed sternum while positioned intercostally between at least two corresponding rib pairs.

9. The sternal closure device of claim 1 further comprising a quick release means for releasing operatively secured first and second clamp structures.

10. A method of closing a patient'"'"'s sternum following a sternotomy comprising:

(A) placing first and second clamp members about a respective sternal half and between at least two correspondingly positioned rib pairs;

(B) aligning opposed projection members of each clamp member for subsequent insertion into receiving chambers of each clamp;

(C) positioning foot members of each clamp member upon the posterior section of said sternum to maximize sternal healing surface contact; and

,

(D) removably securing said projection members within said receiving chambers.