Method and apparatus for closing a severed sternum

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 in a manner to angle upwardly divided sternal halves and to maximize sternal healing surface contact;
• and,
• removably positioning and securing teeth like structures on each end of a resiliently tensioned locking member to abut complimenting teeth located on a plurality of projection members where said projection members are within said receiving chambers;
• and
• wherein said resiliently tensioned locking member may be compressed to facilitate immediate device disengagement when previously secured intercostally between at least two corresponding positioned rib pairs.

A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structure 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 angled foot portions, and a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion, wherein said device may be intercostally positioned absent necessity for any secondary transfixion application or structure;

• and
• wherein said receiving attachment structure further comprises a resiliently tensioned locking member with angularly disposed teeth like structures outwardly positioned at first and second ends of said resiliently tensioned locking member and a securing aperture substantially centered there between;
• and
• wherein said resiliently tensioned locking member may be compressed to facilitate immediate device disengagement when previously secured intercostally between at least two corresponding positioned rib pairs.

A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structure 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 angled foot portions, and a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion, the device further comprising a laser scoring of at least one portion of said device to allow severing thereof to facilitate immediate device disengagement when previously secured intercostally between at least two corresponding positioned rib pairs;

• and
• wherein the receiving attachment structure further comprises a resiliently tensioned locking member with angularly disposed teeth like structures outwardly position at first and second ends of said resiliently tensioned locking member and a securing aperture substantially centered there between;
• and
• wherein said resiliently tensioned locking member may be compressed to facilitate immediate device disengagement when previously secured intercostally between at least two corresponding positioned rib pairs.