Sternal osteotomy guide and sternal fixation system

1. A sternal fixation system comprising:

one or more non-bioresorbable intra-sternal shims ( 1 ) dimensioned and configured to fit completely within the intramedullary space between cut portions of the sternum so that the one or more shims are fully embedded within the intramedullary space once the sternal portions are pulled together, each shim ( 1 ) having a central portion and lateral sides, the central portion having a first thickness and the lateral sides having a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness;

one or more tie members ( 2 ) attached to or passing through each shim ( 1 ), each tie member ( 2 ) having a first end portion and a second end portion and including a first integrated gear rack on a surface of the first end portion and a second integrated gear rack on a surface of the second end portion, wherein the first integrated gear rack is formed by a first plurality of teeth that slope in a first direction ( 4 ) and the second integrated gear rack is formed by a second plurality of teeth that slope in a second direction ( 5 ) opposing the first direction; and

one or more pairs of brackets ( 3 ) configured to distribute pressure at a cortical interface thereof and each pair having a central ratcheting mechanism operable to interface with the first integrated gear rack or the second integrated gear rack.

2. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more shims ( 1 ) are solid, porous or meshed.

3. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more shims ( 1 ) comprise titanium impregnated with a biological or bioactive substance, titanium mesh or non-impregnated porous polyethylene.

4. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more shims ( 1 ) have a triangular shape on one or more sides of the tie member ( 2 ).

5. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more tie members ( 2 ) comprise polyether ether ketone or stainless steel.

6. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , further comprising a ratchet gun ( 11 ) to provide uniform tightening of the one or more pairs of brackets ( 3 ).

7. The sternal fixation system of claim 6 , wherein the ratchet gun ( 11 ) attaches the one or more pairs of brackets ( 3 ) to the one or more tie members ( 2 ) at a uniform tension.

8. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , further comprising a sternal cutting guide ( 6 ).

9. The sternal fixation system of claim 8 , wherein the sternal cutting guide ( 6 ) comprises

a cutting slot ( 7 ) configured to be adjustable in the cranio-caudal direction of the sternum, wherein the cutting slot ( 7 ) is configured to allow passage of a sternal saw; and

hooks ( 10 ) configured to fix the sternal cutting guide ( 6 ) to a patient.

10. The sternal fixation system of claim 9 , wherein the sternal cutting guide ( 6 ) comprises stainless steel and/or titanium.

11. The sternal fixation system of claim 9 , wherein the cutting slot ( 7 ) comprises one or more of:

a flat or slight curvature in the cranio-caudal direction,

a mechanism configured for determining a midline position of the cutting slot ( 7 ) relative to the sternum, and

parallel membranes that form the cutting slot ( 7 ).

12. The sternal fixation system of claim 9 , wherein the hooks ( 10 ) are configured to fix beneath the sternal notch and at the xiphoid of a patient, and wherein a pair of the hooks ( 10 ) is shaped in a “Y” pattern to allow access of a sternal saw to the cutting slot ( 7 ).

13. The sternal fixation system of claim 9 , wherein the sternal cutting guide ( 6 ) further comprises drilling eyelets ( 8 ) configured for drilling at multiple positions on both sides of the sternum.

14. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more shims ( 1 ) each have a central slot or tunnel configured to allow one of the one or more tie members ( 2 ) to pass through the shim ( 1 ).

15. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more shims ( 1 ) have a rhombial shape.

16. The sternal fixation system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more shims ( 1 ) are configured to provide anteroposterior stability once the sternal portions are pulled together.

17. A method of fixating the sternum of a patient following sternal osteotomy using the sternal fixation system of claim 1 , the method comprising:

creating a midline sternal osteotomy;

drilling holes in the anterior sternal cortex for passage of shim ties ( 2 );

placing one or more non-bioresorbable intra-sternal shims ( 1 ) between portions of the cut sternum;

passing needles attached to the shim ties ( 2 ) from intramedullary to extracortical portions of the sternum;

removing the needles from the shim ties ( 2 ) leaving a portion of each shim tie ( 2 ) protruding from the sternum;

positioning on each side of the sternum one of a pair of brackets ( 3 ) on the shim ties ( 2 ) for each shim ( 1 ); and

tightening each bracket ( 3 ) using a ratchet gun ( 11 ),

thereby fully embedding the shims ( 1 ) within the intramedullary space and fixating the sternum of the patient following sternal osteotomy.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein an adjustable cutting guide ( 9 ) is used to create the midline sternal osteotomy and/or drill holes in the anterior sternal cortex.