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Median sternotomy is the standard approach in heart surgery. Over 1.5M operations are performed worldwide annually; 45K in Canada. Wires are used post-operatively to close the sterna, leading to instability, micro-motion and pain. Alternative techniques lack effectiveness or are cost prohibitive. Glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) are used in restorative dentistry, orthodontics and ear, nose and throat surgeries. Our group has re-engineered a dental GPC specifically for use as an adhesive for sternal fixation based around a novel, patented bioactive glass phase which contains strontium and zinc, which can be applied during sternal wiring to minimize complications. This approach, supported by the scientific literature, will reduce post-operative complications by inhibiting micro-motion between the dissected sternal halves and restricting bacterial ingress into the wound.
Mark Towler
Daniella Marx
Incubate Innovate Network of Canada
Engineering - biomedical
Professional, scientific and technical services
Ryerson University
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