A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.
申请公布号
US6059818(A)
申请公布日期
2000.05.09
申请号
US19980173872
申请日期
1998.10.16
申请人
CARDIAC ASSIST TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
发明人
JOHNSON, GREG A.;GRIFFIN, WAYNE P.;MAGOVERN, JAMES A.;KLETZLI, DAVID W.