Patent ID: 8758348

Claim:
A method of closing two portions of a sternum, comprising: providing a connection device including: a central body with first and second flat male stems extending therefrom, and first and second flat female stems extending therefrom; a first flat, tape-like male suture engaged with and extending from the first male stem; a second flat, tape-like male suture engaged with and extending from the second male stem; a first curved delivery needle located on a distal end of the first male suture; a second curved delivery needle located on a distal end of the second male suture; a first flat, low-profile, sleeve-shaped female base connected to the first female stem by a first swivel connection structure that is configured to permit the first female base to swivel with respect to the first female stem, the first female base being configured to receive an end of the first male suture therethrough; wherein the first swivel connection structure includes a pin that connects the first female base to the first female stem; and a second flat, low-profile, sleeve-shaped female base connected to the second female stem by a second swivel connection structure that is configured to permit the second female base to swivel with respect to the second female stem, the second female base being configured to receive an end of the second male suture therethrough; inserting the first curved needle around the two portions of the sternum and wrapping the first male suture connected thereto around the two portions of the sternum; inserting the first male suture through the first female base; inserting the second curved needle around the two portions of the sternum and wrapping the second male suture connected thereto around the two portions of the sternum; inserting the second male suture through the second female base; and cutting off the first and the second curved needles from the first and the second male sutures.