New wire suture for sternal fixation

A new sternal fixation wire, 60 cm in length, was tested clinically. The center portion of the wire is 30 cm in length and 0.8 mm in diameter, while the two end portions of the wire are 15 cm in length and 0.3 mm in diameter. A drill or gimlet with a small hole in the tip was employed to bore a hole in the sternum. The thin ends of the wire were inserted into the hole of the drill, making it easier to pass the wire through the sternal bone. We have found wire penetration through the sternum to be simpler and less traumatic using this technique.