A sternal saw is a bone cutter used to perform median sternotomy, opening the patient's chest by splitting the breastbone, or sternum. It is a reciprocating blade saw that resembles a jigsaw in appearance. It was invented and introduced by Dr. Edward P. ("Ted") Diethrich in 1963 (see picture of the device in the following external link: https://www.de-soutter.com/US-Products-power-tools-Cardiothoracic-Pneumatic-Sternudrive-DPC-470).