Sternum Instruments — Pattern and Clinical Use
Median sternotomy requires a specific instrument sequence: a saw or Lebsche knife divides the sternum, a sternal retractor holds the halves apart for the procedure, then wire passers, twisters and cutters close the sternum with stainless cerclage wire. Each instrument in that chain is purpose-built, and a gap in the set stops the operation at that step.
Sternal closure wire is hardened and must be twisted to a consistent tension and cut flush — a wire end left proud is a persistent source of patient discomfort and can erode through tissue.
Sternum Instruments Variants and Specifications
The sternal instrument group.
| Instrument | Function |
|---|---|
| Lebsche knife | Sternal division with mallet |
| Sternal retractor | Holds the sternal halves apart |
| Wire passer / awl | Passes cerclage wire around the sternum |
| Wire twister | Tensions and twists the closure wire |
| Wire cutter | Trims the twisted wire flush |
| Sternal saw guide | Guides the oscillating saw |
Material, Finish and Quality Control
We forge Sternum Instruments from 316L austenitic stainless. Wire-handling instruments are tested on hardened sternal wire, confirming consistent twist tension and a flush cut. Each batch passes Rockwell hardness testing, dimensional checks on wire twist tension and flush cut, and visual inspection under our ISO 13485 system before passivation and final finishing. Mirror and satin finishes are both available — satin is usually specified where glare under operating lights is a concern.
Who Sources Sternum Instruments From Surgical Star
Sternum instrument sets sell to cardiac surgical distributors and cardiac centres, and are ordered as complete groups because a missing instrument halts the closure sequence.
OEM, Certification and Ordering
Every Sternum Instruments can be produced as a private-label line: your logo laser-marked on the handle, your catalog numbers, and your own printed packaging, manufactured from your drawings or a reference sample. Manufactured under an ISO 13485 quality system, CE-marked to EU MDR 2017/745 and covered by US FDA establishment registration. A certificate of conformity and an ASTM F899 material certificate for the exact steel grade ship with your order.
MOQs are low and new-brand friendly, and vary with pattern, finish and branding. Pricing is direct from the factory and tiered by volume. After you approve a branded pre-production sample, bulk production typically runs four to six weeks and ships worldwide DDP with HS codes handled. See how OEM & private label works →
Related Cardiovascular & Thoracic Instruments
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments are needed for sternal closure?
A wire passer or awl to pass the cerclage wire, a twister to tension it, and a cutter to trim the twisted end flush.
Why must the wire be cut flush?
A proud wire end causes persistent patient discomfort and can erode through overlying tissue.
Is a Lebsche knife still used?
Yes, particularly where a powered saw is unavailable or in re-do sternotomy, so it remains part of a complete sternal set.
Can you manufacture these under our own brand?
Yes — full OEM and private label. We laser-mark your logo and catalog numbers, pack in your branded boxes, and work from your drawings, tech pack or a reference sample, with a pre-production sample approved before any bulk run.
Send your pattern list, drawing or a reference sample and we’ll quote MOQ, pricing and lead time — standard catalog or fully private-label.
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