Abstract: A sternal closure device includes an insertion member, a receiver member and a joint locking mechanism. The joint locking mechanism includes a dual pawl assembly and a dual ratchet assembly. The dual pawl assembly includes a pair of pawl arms that include heads with outward facing teeth. The dual ratchet assembly includes a pair of ratchet arms with inward facing teeth that are configured for an intermeshed engagement with the teeth on the corresponding pawl arms. Alignment tabs on the ratchet arms are captured within guide channels on the receiver member. The configuration and number of the teeth contribute to the strength of the device. The locking mechanism contributes to efficiency, speed, and strength of the closure.

Abstract: A sternal closure device includes an insertion member, a receiving member and a lock assembly. The insertion member includes a first series of laterally disposed teeth-like projections along a first side of the insertion member and the lock assembly includes a spring that is configured to engage the first series of laterally disposed teeth-like projections of the insertion member. The lock assembly is removably secured to a first side of the receiving member.

Abstract: A surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a severed human sternum via positioning around the costal cartilage portion of each of a paired set of ribs located on opposite sides of the severed sternum while simultaneously contacting and substantially surrounding the anterior and posterior portions of the sternum comprising impermanently joined insertion and insertion guide attachment members, each of the members having first and second end portions, first and second side portions, a body portion, anterior and posterior surfaces, two crescent formed leg portions with angularly displaced foot portions, a plurality of sternum, rib and costal cartilage engagement surfaces and, a rotary lock member pivotally attached to the insertion guide member, and further comprising a capturing mechanism having angularly displaced teeth-like structures on a first side cooperating with reciprocating teeth like structures integrated on a first side of the insertion member to position, secure in place an

Abstract: A sternal closure device including impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure for the entire apparatus with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release of the apparatus positioned and secured.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, and an end portion. The receiving structure further incorporates a resiliently tensioned catch member with angularly disposed teeth like structures positioned to receive and position a plurality of receiving structure projection members when inserted therein. The catch member further serves as a stabilizing structure for the entire apparatus with stabilization facilitated via an easily removed single screw like structure markedly facilitates quick release of the apparatus positioned and secured.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising impermanently joined first and second clamp structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surround a patient's sternum each clamp having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum engagement surfaces, an end portion, a projection member, and a generally u-shaped receiving member wherein the end portions of each clamp member substantially extend toward one another when first and second clamp projection members are slidably received and secured in first and second clamp receiving chambers.

Abstract: An improved permanently implantable breast tissue prosthesis comprising angularly and immutably attached base and dome envelopes wherein the base envelope is of a substantially triangular shape and the dome envelope is of a substantially discoid shape, each envelope having a shell defining an inner fluid containable chamber and an outer textured surface to be in direct contact with breast tissue and a valve formed as a part of a wall in base and dome envelopes, the valve facilitating the introduction, containment or removal of fluid within the containable chamber of each envelope.

Abstract: An implantable stacked breast prosthesis comprising two or more separate chambers stacked on each other, and fastened together eccentrically, so as to give a normal contour to the reconstructed or augmented breast and to prevent slippage of the chambers. At least one of the chambers is collapsed and may be variably filled with liquid.