Method and apparatus for closing a severed sternum

Abstract

A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure for the entire apparatus with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release of the apparatus positioned and secured. The projection members further embody complimenting positioned teeth like structures to provide for racheting, unidirectional entry and positioning within the receiving structure, whereupon complimentary teeth engagement surfaces on catch and receiving member projection members facilitate secure and precision positioning of the invention.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two correspondingly positioned rib pairs substantially surrounding a patient's sternum each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated leg and foot portions, and a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion.  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said receiving structure further comprises a resiliently tensioned locking member with angularly disposed teeth like structures outwardly positioned at first and second ends of said locking member and a securing aperture substantially centered there between.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said sliding structure further comprises a plurality of projection members with angularly disposed teeth like structures inwardly positioned on each innermost surface of each projection member.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said sternum engagement surfaces contacts the frontal portion of a sternum.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said sternum engagement surfaces contacts the posterior portion of a sternum.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said sternum engagement surfaces contact the frontal and posterior portions of a sternum.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said receiving and attachment structures further comprises a securing means to facilitate the operative securing of said structures to one another.  
     
     
         8 . The surgical device of  claim 1  wherein said clamp members are made from biocompatible material.  
     
     
         9 . The surgical device of  claim 1  wherein said material comprises a radiolucent biocompatible material.  
     
     
         10 . The sternal closure device of  claim 1  wherein said first and second attachment 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.  
     
     
         11 . The sternal closure device of  claim 1  wherein said device further comprises a screw type fastening means to removably attach said sliding and receiving attachment structures.  
     
     
         12 . A method of closing a patient's sternum following a sternotomy comprising: 
 positioning sliding and receiving attachment structures about a respective sternal half and between at least two correspondingly positioned rib pairs;    aligning opposed positioned sliding and receiving attachment structures for subsequent insertion of sliding structure projection members into receiving chambers of said receiving attachment structure;    positioning foot members of attachment and receiving structures upon the posterior section of said sternum to maximize sternal healing surface contact; and,    removably positioning and securing teeth like structures on each end of a locking member to abut complimenting teeth like surface area's located on a plurality of invention projection members said projection members within said receiving chambers.