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DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240833
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
A Simple Device Designed to Facilitate Sternal Closure and Avoid Complications
Publication History
received October 20, 2009
Publication Date:
31 May 2010 (online)
Abstract
We report an easy technique for sternal closure based on the use of a steel spoon. The spoon is placed under the line of the sternotomy where a stainless steel wire is passed through the bone. The tip of the wire passes through the bone and is then placed in the spoon which guides and facilitates the progressive passage of the wire through the bone. Finally, the spoon is symmetrically placed under the sternum on the opposite side.
Key words
thoracic surgery - cardiovascular surgery - heart valve surgery
References
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Prof. Mario Santini
Thoracic Surgery Unit
Second University of Naples
Piazza L. Miraglia 2
80138 Naples
Italy
Phone: + 39 08 15 66 52 26
Fax: + 39 08 15 66 52 30
Email: mario.santini@unina2.it