How is the chest closed after a heart bypass surgery?

Sternal wires: Assuming the patient had a sternotomy, the two halves of the sternum are separated at the time of surgery. The bones are rejoined after the surgery using surgical wires, after six to eight weeks the bones are healed and the wires are no longer necessary. The wires are left in place nonetheless.

Many ways: Classically the sternal edges are brought together using a series of stainless steel wires which wrap around the breast bone. However, more products are out to help with patients with morbid obesity and/or osteoporosis. There are clamps called talons made by kls martin. Also there are now several types of sternal plate and screw sets. Recently there is a new device which uses a form of zip ties.

Stainless steel wire: Wires are the most common way, but cables and steel plates are also used.