STERNUM BUCKLE WITH ROTATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND METHOD OF CLOSURE
Inventors: Ellen M. Golds, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Ross R. Muth, Brookfield, Conn.
Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, Conn.
Appl. No.: 959,051
Filed: Oct. 9,1992
Int. CI.* A61B 17/00
U.S. CI 606/74; 606/72;
606/151; 24/170
Field of Search 606/1, 60, 72, 74, 86,
606/87, 105, 139, 148, 151, 213, 215, 216-218, 232; 128/898; 24/170, 191
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Primary Examiner—Stephen C. Pellegrino
Assistant Examiner—Jeffrey A. Schmidt
[57] ABSTRACT
A strap assembly to be looped about split portions of human tissue to retain the split portions in adjacent contacting relation to promote healing thereof includes a flexible elongated member and a buckle member. The buckle member includes a frame member and a clamp member rotatably mounted within the frame member from a non-strap securing position to a strap securing position. The clamp member rotates to the strap securing position in response to tensional forces exerted on the strap during tensioning thereof about the tissue portions.
27 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
