Apparatus for tightening elongated wound closure elements.

摘要

The present invention relates to an instrument for tightening elongated wound closure elements around body tissue (10). In particular, an instrument for tightening wound closure elements around a human sternum following surgery. The instrument includes a first handle (20) and a second handle (22) pivotally attached to the first handle and movable between an open and a closed position. A retaining system (23, 24) is also provided to tighten wound closure material in response to movement of the second handle. <IMAGE>