System, method and apparatus for sternal closure

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient comprising: 
 a first grommet to be disposed in the first side;    a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side;    a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum, said placing mechanism adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum;    a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets; and    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.    
     
     
         2 . A system as described in  claim 1  wherein the placing mechanism includes a drill mechanism for drilling a hole into the sternum in which a grommet is placed.  
     
     
         3 . A system as described in  claim 2  wherein the placing mechanism includes a grommet placement tool which inserts a grommet into the hole drilled by the drill mechanism in the sternum.  
     
     
         4 . A system as described in  claim 3  including a crimper for crimping the first wire suture together when it extends through the first and second grommets in the first and second sides of the sternum.  
     
     
         5 . A system as described in  claim 4  including a wire passer which extends through a grommet to facilitate the placement of the first wire suture through the grommet.  
     
     
         6 . A system as described in  claim 5  wherein each grommet comprises a first portion that is adapted to fix to the bottom of the sternum and a second portion adapted to fit to the top of the sternum, said first wire suture extends through the first and second portions.  
     
     
         7 . A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum comprising the steps of: 
 inserting a wire passer through the hole so it extends in and through the hole and beneath the sternum; and    inserting a wire suture into the wire passer from beneath the sternum.