Patients presenting for cardiac surgery are more challenging now than in earlier years. They are older, overweight, often having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other severe comorbidities. All these factors may increase the risk for sternal dehiscence and mediastinitis.

Now-a-days there is enough scientific and clinical evidence indicating that plating of the sternum may be useful for both prevention and treatment of sternal dehiscence and mediastinitis after open heart surgery. Obesity and obstructive respiratory problems are probably the most important risk factors suggesting that mechanical strain over the midline sternotomy and sternal instability may precede infection.

Our Ley™ prostheses and devices are designed and constructed for fulfilling both tasks at the same time. They are made of a thin malleable titanium alloy, which is evenly perforated along its edges. The multiple perforations allow selection for the best possible positioning of the sternal wires and a proper sternal stabilisation. They are implanted with a simple closing procedure where the sternum can be closed using the same instruments currently available in the operation theatre. This has special relevance for cases where an emergency opening of the sternotomy closure has to be done e.g. at the intensive care unit.