The inadequacy of wire fixation to limit distraction between both halves of the sternum post open-heart surgery indicates that a more rigid fixation technique is needed. Bisected polyurethane sternal models were reapproximated using standard wires and five different plate configurations and laterally loaded to 360N. A 3 X and 1 Box plate configuration provided optimal rigid fixation (<0.2mm). Plates significantly reduced sternal distraction compared to wires at the xiphoid, suggesting the superiority of rigid plates over wires for sternal reapproximation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Pai, Shruti
• Dupak, Erin L.
• Gunja, Najmuddin Juze
• McMahon, Nicole L.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 04D291M

Advisor

• Pins, George D
• Dunn, Raymond
• Billiar, Kristen

Year

• 2004

Date created

• 2004-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright