Chest wall repair device

Abstract

Embodiments herein provide a chest wall repair plate device where a central portion of the device is comprised of an elastomer to allow for rapid resection using a standard surgical scalpel should there be a need to quickly re-enter the chest cavity. The elastomeric section adjoins two or more rigid plate sections creating a simple, easily removable sternal stabilization system.

1 . A chest wall repair device comprising:
 two or more plate sections with at least a portion of one plate section configured to be affixed to a sternum or rib segment; and   a central elastomeric portion coupled to the two or more plate sections, wherein the two or more plate sections are coupled together by the central elastomeric portion.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the plate sections are comprised of a polymeric material. 
     
     
         4 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the plate sections incorporates a hook configured to engage an edge of the sternum. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the central elastomeric portion is adhered to at least one of the plate sections. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the central elastomeric portion is connected to the plate section using a fastening system. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the fastening system comprises a screw and threaded hole feature. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the fastening system comprises a hook and clip mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the central elastomeric portion has a modulus between 0.1-50 MPa. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the central elastomeric portion contains radio-opaque spheres, particles, or wires to allow for visualization under X-ray. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the central elastomeric portion is comprised of multiple grades or stiffnesses to create regional variations in mechanical properties. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein features are present to allow for stretching of the device prior to fixation to the sternum in order to apply compression to the resection after release. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central elastomeric portion comprises one or more elongated polymeric fibers. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central elastomeric portion has at least one void at an interface between the elastomeric portion and one of the two or more plate sections to prevent propagation of delamination of the elastomeric portion from the plate section. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two or more plate sections has an extending feature that mechanically interlocks with an opposing plate section to constrain lateral motion. 
     
     
         19 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of sternal repair permitting rapid reentry, comprising:
 placing a sternal repair device on a sternum across a site of a sternal osteotomy or sternotomy, the sternal repair device comprising two or more plate sections with at least a portion of a first plate section configured to be affixed to a first side of an anterior of the sternum on a first side of the site of the sternal osteotomy or sternotomy, and at least a portion of a second plate section configured to be affixed to a second side of the anterior of the sternum on a second side of the site of the sternal osteotomy or sternotomy, and a central elastomeric portion coupled to the first and second plate sections spanning a central portion of the anterior of the sternum at the site of the sternal osteotomy or sternotomy;   affixing the first and second plate sections to the sternum, the central elastomeric portion arranged to be cut to provide rapid reentry to the site of the sternal osteotomy or sternotomy.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the central elastomeric portion arranged to be cut to provide rapid reentry to the site of the sternal osteotomy or sternotomy comprises the central elastomeric portion arranged to be cut by a scalpel to provide rapid reentry to the site of the sternal osteotomy or sternotomy. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising pre-stretching the central elastomeric portion prior to affixing the first and second plate sections to the sternum. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising increasing spacing between the first and second plate sections prior to affixing the first and second plate sections to the sternum to apply compression to the sternum. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising affixing at least one of the first and second plate sections to one or more ribs. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the first and second plate sections comprises one or more hooks, further comprising coupling the one or more hooks around a side of the sternum.