FLEXIGRIP: Nitinol Sternum Closure System

FLEXIGRIP is a sternal closure system used for specific indications in cardiothoracic surgery.

The system consists of nitinol clips and an application set. Clips close the sternum permanently and securely.

FLEXIGRIP is less traumatic and lighter than known sternal closure systems.

FLEXIGRIP provides a certain degree of flexibility during the expansion of the rib cage. It provides fast closure of the sternum and can be removed very easily when needed.

FLEXIGRIP reduces hospital stay and recovery times with its semi-rigid compression feature.

PROPERTIES

FLEXIGRIP is a sternum closure clip produced from shape memory nickel-titanium alloy Nitinol, which has a long history of successful implant applications. The clips act as a fastener that brings the bones together in the median sternotomy.

Since it is a solid metal implant, it is not an osteointegrated implant, which facilitates revision operations when necessary.

FLEXIGRIP facilitates insertion and removal when necessary, as it does not completely enclose the sternum.

Because Nitinol is not ferromagnetic, FLEXIGRIP does not prevent diagnostic diagnoses made with magnetic resonance.

INDICATIONS

FLEXIGRIP reduces the risk of postoperative sternal complications as it is less invasive compared to the wire due to its flexibility during the patient's breathing.

FLEXIGRIP is designed for use in the closure of the median sternotomy after open chest surgery.

FLEXIGRIP is indicated for sternum closures, especially in patients affected by the following pathologies.

Diabetes,
Obesity,
COPD
Osteoperosis
Other postoperative risk factors
Repeated interventions

Surgical Technique

Surgical holes are drilled in the intercostal spaces where clip hooks will be placed. The holes should be as close to the sternum as possible. The holes to be made should be between the external intercostal ligament and the external and internal muscles. For bone reduction, it is blocked by bringing 2 forceps closer to each other with the sternum. The sternal horizontal size is measured for each clip to be used. Clips, clips set suitable for the size are shown.

Usage Instruction

The sterile technique is removed from the construction clip package. The cooled sterile saline is cooled into a bowl. Clip opening forceps is expanded and placed in surgical holes opened in the intercostal space.

Finally, the information clip is heated in sterile saline solution at a temperature of 45 ° C.

3-4 clips are used depending on the length and horizontal size of the sternum.

Temperature Effects

“Mf” storage is soft. (Manipulation Temperature)

“As” shape memory effect begins at that temperature. (Starting Temperature)

“Af” fully returns to its original shape. (Final Temperature)

TEMPERATURE ^OC
Mf	As	Af
<10	>27	35