Sternal closure device with dual locking mechanism
AssigneeMavrek Medical, LLC
InventorArchibald S. Miller, III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sternal closure device includes an insertion member, a receiver member and a joint locking mechanism. The joint locking mechanism includes a dual pawl assembly and a dual ratchet assembly. The dual pawl assembly includes a pair of pawl arms that include heads with outward facing teeth. The dual ratchet assembly includes a pair of ratchet arms with inward facing teeth that are configured for an intermeshed engagement with the teeth on the corresponding pawl arms. Alignment tabs on the ratchet arms are captured within guide channels on the receiver member. The configuration and number of the teeth contribute to the strength of the device. The locking mechanism contributes to efficiency, speed, and strength of the closure.
Claims8
A sternal closure device comprising:
- a receiver member, wherein the receiver member comprises:
- a receiver member base;
- a pair of receiver member legs extending from the receiver member base;
- a pair of rounded shoulders, wherein each of the pair of rounded shoulders is located above a corresponding one of the pair of receiver member legs;
- and
- a dual pawl assembly, wherein the dual pawl assembly comprises:
- a pawl block extending upward from the receiver member base;
- and
- a pair of pawl arms extending forward from the pawl block above the receiver member base;
- and
- an insertion member, wherein the insertion member comprises:
- an insertion member base;
- a dual ratchet assembly that is configured for engagement with the dual pawl assembly of the receiver member, wherein the dual ratchet assembly comprises a pair of ratchet arms each having a substantially L-shaped cross section;
- a pair of insertion member legs extending from the insertion member base;
- and
- a pair of rounded shoulders, wherein each of the pair of rounded shoulders is located above a corresponding one of the pair of insertion member legs.
A sternal closure device comprising:
- a receiver member that comprises:
- a receiver member base;
- a pair of receiver member legs extending from the receiver member base;
- a pair of channels, each extending along a side of the receiver member base, wherein each of the channels includes an overhang;
- and
- an insertion member that comprises;
- an insertion member base;
- a pair of insertion member legs extending from the insertion member base;
- a pair of ratchet arms extending forward from the insertion member base, wherein each of the pair of ratchet arms has an alignment tab that fits within a corresponding one of the pair of channels;
- and
- means for releasably securing the insertion member within the receiver member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.