How to Treat Pectus Excavatum

Pectus Excavatum is a health condition that occurs when the breastbone of a person is sunken into the chest. The condition becomes increasingly more noticeable throughout the adolescent years, prompting health risks regarding the heart and lungs.

This is where you will come across the need to understand the best methods available for treating Pectus Excavatum. Here is a list of some of the most popular treatments available for Pectus Excavatum as of now. You can go through these treatment options and pick the best treatment out of them.

The Nuss Procedure

There are two standard surgical procedures that you can follow to treat Pectus Excavatum. Out of those two surgical procedures is the Nuss Procedure. During the procedure, a surgeon will make two incisions on either side of a patients chest. Two curved metals bars are the implanted underneath the sunken breastbone, raising the recessed cavity outwards.  

After the surgery, the patient goes through a 2-6 month recovery period. In total, the implant is taken out 2-3 years after surgery.

Ravitch Technique 

Ravitch technique is quite an old surgical procedure used to treat Pectus Excavatum, typically utilised for the most severe cases. Throughout the surgery, a surgeon makes a large incision in the centre of the chest. Then the surgeon removes the deformed cartilage, previously attached to the ribs, and adjusts the ribs and breastbone to align the cavity back to normal. A variety of surgical hardware is used for this treatment; mesh supports and metal struts hold the breastbone in place, which are then removed after 6 to 12 months. 

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Vacuum Bell therapy uses a simple suction cup to re-align the breastbone. The Vacuum Bell creates a strong vacuum when applied, thus lifting the sternum up into place. Vacuum Bell therapy involves no surgery, and patients generally see permanent results within 6 to 8 months of starting, with permanent remission after 2-3 years depending on severity and age. The Vacuum Bell is used daily for 30 minutes to an hour, and can even be worn while sleeping! Vacuum Bells are considered to be the cheapest, easiest, and safest option for the correction of Pectus Excavatum, you can view the price comparison here.

What is the best treatment option for Pectus Excavatum?

Both the Nuss Procedure and Ravitch technique are invasive and painful surgical treatment procedures; requiring planning, consultation, and even time off work to just get results. However, there is no need to go through such a complicated process with Vacuum Bell therapy. Simply wear the Vacuum Bell for 30 minutes to an hour a day, and correct Pectus Excavatum from home - no surgery required.