Minimal Invasive Approach for Surgical Repair of Rib Fractures With a Novel Intrathoracic Device

Class II device in the United States; consists of bridges (with locking posts) and locking caps for the thoracoscopic fixation and stabilization of ribs. These implants are manufactured from commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys. When fully assembled, the bridge plate is placed on the underside of the rib (pleural cortex); the threaded locking posts extend through pre-drilled holes in the rib, and the locking caps are fixed to the locking post on the anterior (cutaneous) side of the rib. The combined threaded locking post and cap provides for fixation of the bridge and stabilization of the fracture.