Improved technique of nitinol sternal clip application

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Nitinol sternal thermo-reactive clips (Flexigrip) are increasingly used for sternotomy closure.
• Existing application techniques may have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an alternative, simplified technique for Flexigrip clip application.
• To highlight the advantages of this new method in sternotomy closure.

Main Methods:

• Detailed description of an alternative Flexigrip clip application technique.
• Evaluation of the technique's ease of performance.
• Assessment of precision in sternal width measurement and midline identification.

Main Results:

• The alternative technique is easier to perform compared to existing methods.
• This technique allows for more precise measurement of sternal width.
• It facilitates accurate identification of the sternal midline prior to sternotomy.

Conclusions:

• The described alternative technique simplifies Flexigrip clip application in sternotomy.
• This method enhances surgical precision by improving sternal measurements.
• It offers a valuable alternative for cardiac surgeons performing sternotomies.