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Mechanical simulation study of reapproximated sternum rigidity comparing sternal fixation devices

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Abstract

Background

A reliable sternal fixation is one of the most basic parts of cardiac surgery requiring sternotomy for preventing wound complications and promoting early recovery. Although various products have been released to the markets, the characteristics of each device are still unclear.

Methods

A simulation study was conducted to compare the properties of two sternal fixation device: a commonly used monofilament stainless-steel wire and a newly designed cable comprised of several titanium alloys strands. Sternum models made of monomer casting nylon were tied with each material and displaced in longitudinal, antero-posterior, and horizontal directions. Resistance against each directional external force was measured and compared.

Results

The titanium cable showed a higher resistance to every directional displacement since slight deviations and a twofold higher maximum strength than the stainless wire.

Conclusion

An in vitro simulation study revealed the titanium cable system provide stronger sternum fixation than stainless-steel wire

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Y. Kawabe and K. Mikami (Teijin Medical Technologies Co., Ltd.) for their great contributions regarding the experiments.

Funding

The study was supported by J-seed Co., Ltd.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan

    Eiki Nagaoka & Hirokuni Arai

Authors
  1. Eiki Nagaoka
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  2. Hirokuni Arai
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Correspondence to Eiki Nagaoka.

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Conflict of interests

Eiki Nagaoka received a research Grant from J-seed Co., Ltd.

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Nagaoka, E., Arai, H. Mechanical simulation study of reapproximated sternum rigidity comparing sternal fixation devices. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 71, 98–103 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-022-01856-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-022-01856-w

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