Reliable, Safe, Convenient, and Cost-Effective sutures
for closure of Median Sternotomies and Lateral Thoracotomies.

Patients report considerable less pain when compared to the insertion of steel wires.

Reliable
Made of stainless steel 316L alloy. Sterna-Band™ sutures are a state of the art replacement for steel wires. They can also be used in combination with wires. The geometry and configuration add strength to the closure: 4.5mm width spreads the clamping force over an area six times that of the wire. The breaking point is twice that of wires. The buckle is double-locked to eliminate slippage.
Safe
The design prevents the band from cutting through the sternum. This is especially useful with high-risk patients with comorbidities such as obesity, emphysema, osteoporosis or current infection. Added strength prevents breaking or loosening due to fatigue from post-operative stresses such as turning, breathing, or coughing. Wires can sometimes start to unravel forcing the pigtail to shift causing extra pain and discomfort. Sterna-Band™ sutures can reduce dehiscence of the sternum, a significant medical benefit to the patient and a cost benefit to the health community. This lessens the need for further procedures and enables shorter lengths of stay.
Convenient
Simple self-locking buckle allows the surgeon to pull one end through the band's channel and cut off the remainder with a standard scissor. No twisting, wire cutters or special tools are required.
Cost-Effective
Only four to five Sterna-Band™ sutures are needed to close most median sternotomies. The cost compares favorably with wires and their reliable performance avoids the cost of re-operation when wire fails. Sterna-Band™ sutures are available exclusively from 3T Medical Systems, LLC, and can be bundled with other surgical products.
Procedure Overview
Each Sterna-Band™ suture has a sharp needle on one end and a self-locking buckle mechanism on the other. 1. Insert the needle through or around both sternal halves. 2. Insert the end of the band through the self-locking buckle and pull tight to abut the two sternal halves. 3. Snip off the extra band with surgical scissors. 4. Fold back the remaining end into the buckle channel and crimp the "ears" to provide a double lock with no uncomfortable wire pigtails.