Evaluating STERN FIX for Sternal Closure After Heart Surgery

Sternal Fixation With STERN FIX After Medial Sternotomy

Observational NEOS Surgery · NCT05784532

This study is testing a new device called STERN FIX to see if it safely and effectively closes the breastbone after heart surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNEOS Surgery Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05784532 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational registry aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of the STERN FIX device used for closing the sternum after medial sternotomy in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Participants will have their sternum closed with the STERN FIX system and will be monitored for sternal stability at discharge and one month post-surgery using the sternal instability scale (SIS). The study focuses on real-world conditions to gather data on the performance of the device.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for surgery requiring medial sternotomy.

Not a fit: Patients with sternal anomalies, severe osteoporosis, or other conditions affecting healing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve sternal stability and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is being evaluated in this registry, similar studies on sternal fixation devices have shown promising results in enhancing post-surgical recovery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Older than 18 years old patient
* Patient undergoing surgery requiring medial sternotomy
* Patient able and willing to provide informed consent to participate in the registry and/or who have provided written consent to have their clinical data added to the registry

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients that are still growing.
* Patients with Sternal anomalies preventing the use of the STERN FIX Sternal Stabilization System, such as bone tumors located in the implant region.
* Patient with conditions previous to surgery that may impact healing, including bone blood supply limitations, insufficient quantity or quality of bone, or other severe structural bone damage.
* Patients with suspected or known allergies or intolerances to the implant material.
* Patients with severe osteoporosis or other degenerative bone diseases.
* Any patient unwilling to, or incapable of, following postoperative care instructions.
* Patients with any other medical or surgical process that may compromise or limit the adequate functionality of the implant.
* Pregnant patients or planning to become pregnant during the 2 months following surgery.
* Patients with life expectancy lower than 2 months.
* Patients who are or have been participating in an interventionist trial during the last 4 weeks

Intraoperative exclusion criteria

* Latent or active infection, or inflammation in the operating area.
* Signs of infection on the surgical site.
* Parasternal sternotomy.
* When the STERN FIX Sternal Stabilization System cannot ensure sufficient fixation.
* When a STERN FIX Sternal Stabilization System device cannot be placed properly in any intercostal space.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SternotomyRigid FixationSternal ClosureSTERN FIX
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.