The application of poly (L-lactide) sternal coaptation pins for median sternotomy
Sakurada, A.; Sagawa, M.; Satoh, M.; Tanita, T.; Matsumura, Y.; Okada, Y.; Suzuki, S.; Fujimura, S.; Kondo, T.
Kyobu Geka. Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery 53(12): 1011-1012
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5252 PMID: 11079305 Document Number: 518972
Poly (L-lactide) sternal coaptation pin has been developed as an assistant material for the fixation of sternum. We used the novel material to a patient who underwent median sternotomy. A 21-year-old male was suspected to have invasive thymoma in the anterior mediastinum. The median sternotomy was indicated as an approach for the resection of tumor. Tumor was completely resected and there was no invasion to sternum. For the fixation of sternum, three poly (L-lactide) sternal coaptation pins were inserted in the bone marrow of sternum and five stainless steel wires were used as conventional procedure. Sternum was adapted without slippage and no complication from the material was observed in the post-surgical period. The application of poly (L-lactide) sternal coaptation pin is a good option for ensuring the fixation of sternum.