Sternal clamp with rib extension

Abstract

A sternal closure clamp device for securing and retaining longitudinally divided halves of a sternum, the device having a pair of body members each having engagement members adapted to abut the sides of the sternal halves, and at least one rib extension member having rib retaining means attached to at least one of said body members, such that the rib extension member can be secured to a rib to reduce the force being applied directly to the sternal halves.

1 . A sternal closure clamp for holding the sternal halves of a longitudinally severed sternum in abutting relation, said clamp comprising:
 a pair of slidingly interconnected body members whereby the overall length of said clamp is adjustable and whereby said body members can be locked into a fixed relative position;   at least one sternal engagement member connected to each said body member, said sternal engagement members extending to the rear of said body members and;   at least one rib extension member connected to said at least one of said body members, said rib extension member comprising means for securing said rib extension member directly onto a rib;   whereby with said sternal engagement members positioned abutting the sides of a severed sternum, said rib extension members are securable directly onto a rib in order to reduce the force applied to a sternum by said sternal engagement members when the sternal clamp is contracted.   
   
   
       2 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said at least one of said body members. 
   
   
       3 . The clamp of  claim 1 , further comprising another rib extension member, wherein each of said rib extension members is connected to a different said body member. 
   
   
       4 . The clamp of  claim 3 , wherein both of said rib extension members are angularly adjustable relative to said body members. 
   
   
       5 . The clamp of  claim 1 , comprising a pair of sternal engagement members connected to each said body member, said sternal engagement members being spaced apart such that a rib may be received therebetween. 
   
   
       6 . The clamp of  claim 5 , wherein said at least one rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said at least one of said body members. 
   
   
       7 . The clamp of  claim 5 , further comprising another rib extension member, wherein each of said rib extension members is connected to a different said body member. 
   
   
       8 . The clamp of  claim 7 , wherein both of said rib extension members are angularly adjustable relative to said body members. 
   
   
       9 . A sternal closure clamp comprising:
 a pair of slidingly interconnected body members whereby the overall length of said clamp is adjustable;   at least one sternal engagement member connected to each said body member;   a rib extension member connected to one of said body members, said rib extension member comprising means for securing said rib extension member directly onto a rib;   whereby said rib extension member are securable to a rib in order to reduce the force applied to a sternum by said sternal engagement members when the sternal clamp is contracted.   
   
   
       10 . The clamp of  claim 9 , wherein said rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said one of said body members. 
   
   
       11 . The clamp of  claim 9 , wherein a second rib extension member is connected to the other of said body members. 
   
   
       12 . The clamp of  claim 11 , wherein said rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said one of said body members and wherein said second rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said other of said body members. 
   
   
       13 . The clamp of  claim 1 , comprising a pair of sternal engagement members connected to each said body member, said sternal engagement members being spaced apart such that a rib may be received therebetween. 
   
   
       14 . The clamp of  claim 13 , wherein said rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said one of said body members. 
   
   
       15 . The clamp of  claim 13 , wherein a second rib extension member is connected to the other of said body members. 
   
   
       16 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said one of said body members and wherein said second rib extension member is angularly adjustable relative to said other of said body members.