This guide offers an educational, technical overview of cardiac surgery instruments and the device technologies used in this field. Traditional closure uses stainless-steel wire cerclage, while rigid plate fixation applies orthopedic principles to stabilize the two halves of the sternum more rigidly. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: open-heart Surgery Instrumentation and Sternal Closure
Traditional closure uses stainless-steel wire cerclage, while rigid plate fixation applies orthopedic principles to stabilize the two halves of the sternum more rigidly. The instruments and closure technique used in any case are selected by the operating cardiac surgeon based on the procedure and patient anatomy. Secure sternal closure is important because instability at the healing bone can contribute to pain, delayed union, dehiscence, and deep wound infection.
Core Technologies and Options
Rigid Sternal Closure System. A rigid sternal closure system uses titanium or steel plates and locking screws to fix the sternal halves, applying the same rigid-fixation principle used elsewhere in orthopedic surgery. Rigid fixation is intended to limit micromotion at the closure site, which is thought to support bony healing and reduce complications relative to wire alone. Rigid Sternal Fixation Mechanics. Rigid sternal fixation seeks stable bone-to-bone apposition so that the divided sternum heals as a stable unit rather than under repeated motion. Plate thickness, width, and length are chosen to match the patient's sternal anatomy and the fixation goals. Titanium Sternal Plating Material. Titanium alloys are widely used in implants for their biocompatibility, strength-to-weight ratio, and favorable imaging characteristics. A medical-grade Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy is a common choice where a balance of strength and biocompatibility is desired. Cannulae for CPB and ECMO. Venous and arterial cannulae connect the patient's circulation to the heart-lung machine during cardiopulmonary bypass, and similar cannulae are used for ECMO support. Cannula size and design influence drainage and perfusion during the supported period. Cardioplegia Delivery Sets. Cardioplegia is a solution delivered to arrest the heart and protect the myocardium while surgery is performed on a still, bloodless field. Dedicated delivery sets allow antegrade or retrograde administration of the solution as the surgical plan requires. Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Instruments. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized elongated instruments to access the heart without a full sternotomy in selected cases. These instruments are designed for the constrained working corridors and angles of a limited-access approach.
Comparing the Approaches
Rigid sternal plating vs Wire cerclage. Rigid sternal plating fixes the sternum with plates and locking screws, while wire cerclage encircles and ties the bone halves together with steel wire. INVAMED's Peta Sternal Closure Plate represents the rigid-fixation approach with intraoperative re-tension capability. Sternal plate vs Steel wire closure. A sternal plate distributes fixation forces across a broader footprint of bone, while steel wire concentrates them along the encircling loops. INVAMED's titanium Peta plates are offered in multiple lengths and shapes to fit varied sternal anatomy. Conventional sternotomy vs Minimally invasive access. A conventional full sternotomy provides broad exposure of the heart, while minimally invasive access uses a smaller incision and specialized instruments in selected cases. INVAMED supplies both standard cardiac instrumentation and the NeoCardia minimally invasive instrument set.
INVAMED Portfolio in This Area
INVAMED's related devices include: Peta Sternal Closure Plate, NeoCardia Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Instruments. Detailed specifications for each are provided in the product documentation.
Key Considerations
- Manufacturer descriptions of fixation performance reflect design intent rather than a guaranteed clinical outcome.
- All INVAMED cardiac surgery instruments and implants are intended for use by trained cardiac surgical teams and per the IFU.
- Stable sternal apposition is a key goal of closure, and rigid fixation is intended to limit the micromotion associated with dehiscence and infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does INVAMED make minimally invasive cardiac instruments?
Yes. The NeoCardia Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Instruments are positioned for limited-access cardiac procedures.
What is the regulatory status of these cardiac surgery devices?
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Are the Peta sternal plates MRI compatible?
INVAMED describes the Peta Sternal Closure Plate as MR compatible; the specific scanning conditions are stated in the device instructions for use.
About INVAMED
INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development. INVAMED is a medical device manufacturer headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, founded in 2005.
Related on INVAMED
- Cardiac Surgery Instruments — product category
- What is minimally invasive cardiac surgery?
- What instruments are used in open-heart surgery?
- Inside the Peta Sternal Closure Plate: Design and Applications
Important Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and technical information about medical device technologies. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Any decision about diagnosis or treatment should be made by a licensed clinician based on an individual assessment. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) and local regulatory approvals. Product availability and indications vary by country.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.