Abstract: A sternotomy suture comprises a loop which passes around a split sternum and is twisted until double cabling begins at which point the suture is fastened to itself. The loop preferably comprises a single strand of wire with one end welded to an intermediate point of said strand leaving a portion available for connection to the needle. A curved needle having a cutting tapered point is swaged to the free end of the single strand. Initially the wire is passed around the split sternum and the needle then removed with a pair of diagonal cutting pliers. A twisting tool, having a handle and a hooked portion, passes through the two free loops on opposite sides of the sternum. Twisting force is applied to the tool and transmitted through the hook to the suture causing it to twist and cable. The suture reaches its critical length L.sub.crit when the loop is fully cabled but before double cabling begins. At the onset of double cabling the loop reaches its maximum tension T.sub.crit.

Abstract: A sternotomy suture comprises a loop which passes around a split sternum and is twisted until double cabling begins at which point the suture is fastened to itself. The loop preferably comprises a single strand of wire with one end welded to an intermediate point of said strand leaving a portion available for connection to the needle. A curved needle having a cutting tapered point is swaged to the free end of the single strand. Initially the wire is passed around the split sternum and the needle then removed with a pair of diagonal cutting pliers. A twisting tool, having a handle and a hooked portion, passes through the two free loops on opposite sides of the sternum. Twisting force is applied to the tool and transmitted through the hook to the suture causing it to twist and cable. The suture reaches its critical length L.sub.crit when the loop is fully cabled but before double cabling begins. At the onset of double cabling the loop reaches its maximum tension T.sub.crit.

Abstract: A suction coagulator includes an improved inclined and flared anti-clog tip. The anti-clog tip is located at the distal end of a hollow, conductive tube, the proximal end of which is connected to a handle. An interior channel having a long central axis runs through the conductive tube and the handle through a suction fitting thereon to a conventional source of suction. The handle also includes an electrical connection for providing electrical power to the conductive tube. An insulating layer surrounds the exterior sidewall of the conductive tube and is stripped back a distance D.sub.O of 0.050 to 0.200 inches from the distal end of the conductive tube. A thermal insulating sleeve is located inside of the interior channel of the conductive tube and extends from the distal end a distance D.sub.I into said interior channel. Distance D.sub.I is approximately 11/2 to 3 times the outside diameter OD.sub.C of the conductive cannula tube.

Abstract: A suction coagulator includes an improved anti-clog tip. The anti-clog tip is located at the distal end of a hollow, conductive tube, the proximal end of which is connected to a handle. An interior channel runs through the conductive tube and the handle through a suction fitting thereon to a conventional source of suction. The handle also includes an electrical connection for providing electrical power to the conductive tube. An insulating layer surrounds the exterior sidewall of the conductive tube and is stripped back a distance D.sub.O of 0.050 to 0.200 inches from the distal end of the conductive tube. A thermal insulating sleeve or coating is located inside of the interior channel of the conductive tube and extends from the distal end a distance D.sub.I into said interior channel. The distance D.sub.I is approximately 11/2 to 3 times the outside diameter OD.sub.C of the conductive cannula tube. The insulating sleeve provides substantial thermal insulation and some electrical insulation.

Abstract: A suction coagulator includes an improved venting system and suction tip to minimize the potential of electrical shock hazard for the surgeon using the apparatus. The nonconductive, plastic handle of the device is attached to the proximal end of an insulated, conductive metal cannula at the distal end of which is located the cauterizing, suction tip. A suction fitting at the rear end of the handle communicates through the hollow interior cavity of the handle and the interior channel in the cannula with the cauterizing tip. A suction control finger operated venting port located on the exterior of the handle is connected by a passageway to the interior cavity. It has been found that the tendency of the suction control passageway to fill up with blood significantly decreases if at least a portion of the suction control venting port is located downstream of the proximal end of the cannula.