Easy closure of sternotomy by the Erk needleholder

Abstract

Conventional needleholders have elastic arms and lock with the aid of three or four triangle-shaped teeth ends on the arms. Because of these springs, the needle is not absolutely fixed. The Erk needleholder(1) has thick, rigid and strong arms. Locking is obtained by the counter-balancing system and it securely holds the needle. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.