What Is Pectus Excavatum and Vacuum Bell Treatment?
Pectus Excavatum (“funnel chest”) is a depression in the chest caused by abnormal growth of the cartilage that attaches the breastbone (sternum) to the ribs.
Children with moderate to severe abnormalities may need surgery. But younger patients with a mild pectus excavatum may benefit from non-invasive vacuum bell therapy.
How Does a Vacuum Bell Work?
The vacuum bell acts as a suction cup that lifts the sunken chest. Vacuum bell therapy slowly corrects the pectus excavatum. For the therapy to be successful, the child will need to wear the vacuum bell over a long period of time. This can be for one to two years.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Vacuum Bell Treatment?
Children with mild pectus excavatum will be evaluated to see if they are a good fit for the vacuum bell. The vacuum bell works best if:
- the child has a flexible chest wall
- the depth of the child’s pectus excavatum is less than 1.5cm
- the child is less than 12 years old
If the team determines that the vacuum bell is a good treatment for your child, they will be fitted for a specific size. Your child will go home with the vacuum bell at the first visit. They will return to the clinic every three months for an evaluation and change in pressure.
