A simple device designed to facilitate sternal closure and avoid complications

We report an easy technique for sternal closure based on the use of a steel spoon. The spoon is placed under the line of the sternotomy where a stainless steel wire is passed through the bone. The tip of the wire passes through the bone and is then placed in the spoon which guides and facilitates the progressive passage of the wire through the bone. Finally, the spoon is symmetrically placed under the sternum on the opposite side.

We report an easy technique for sternal closure based on the use of a steel spoon. The spoon is placed under the line of the sternotomy where a stainless steel wire is passed through the bone. The tip of the wire passes through the bone and is then placed in the spoon which guides and facilitates the progressive passage of the wire through the bone. Finally, the spoon is symmetrically placed under the sternum on the opposite side. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.