Dergiler / Journal of Clinical and Analytical Medicine / 2011 / Cilt: 2 - Sayı: 1

The Vacuum Bell for Treatment of Pectus Excavatum:an Effective Tool for Conservative Therapy

The Vacuum Bell for Treatment of Pectus Excavatum:an Effective Tool for Conservative Therapy

Frank Martin HAECKER

Sayfa
1–4
DOI
—

Abstract

93 patients (77 males, 16 females), aged 3 to 61 years (median 17.8 years) used the vacuum bell for 1 to maximum 24 months. Computed tomographic scans showed that the device lifted the sternum and ribs immediately. In addition, this was confirmed thoracoscopically during the MIRPE procedure. After 18 months in average, the sternum was lifted to a normal level in 9 patients. Relevant side effects were not noted. ConclusionsThe vacuum bell has proved to be an alternative therapeutic option in se-lected patients with PE. The initial results proved to be dramatic, but long-term results are so far lacking, and further evaluation and follow-up studies are necessary.