FlatWire Sternal Closure System technique for median sternotomy closure

: Sternal closure after median sternotomy traditionally uses a stainless steel wire cerclage. wires are placed through or around the sternum, and ends twisted together to bring sternum back together. Complications of this technique include sternal instability, dehiscence, non-union, increased pain. Compared traditional cerclage, Figure 8 FlatWire Closure System has been demonstrated be stronger significantly reduce cut-through postoperative There was no significant difference in hospital length stay mean hospitalization cost. Operative time slightly longer group, but attributed learning curve mastering technique. This article supplemental video will demonstrate System. Briefly, is end fed security box. Once all placed, tensioning device used tighten each box appropriate tensile force. Next, FlatWires rotated 90 degrees hold position temporarily. approximation achieved, 120 degrees, any excess clipped.