APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING ENLONGATED WOUND CLOSURE ELEMENTS

摘要

The present invention relates to an instrument for tightening elongated wound closure elements around body tissue. In particular, an instrument for tightening wound closure elements around a human sternum following surgery. The instrument includes a first handle and a second handle pivotally attached to the first handle and movable between an open and a closed position. A retaining system is also provided to tighten wound closure material in response to movement of the second handle.