How Is Pectus Excavatum Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose pectus excavatum based on a physical exam. If needed, they might also order tests like:
- a CT scan and/or a chest MRI to see how much the heart and lungs are compressed or pushed down
- an echocardiogram to test how well the heart works
- lung function tests to check how well the lungs work
- exercise stress testing to see how much kids can exercise
How Is Pectus Excavatum Treated?
Kids with pectus excavatum will need treatment if they have symptoms or are bothered by how their chest looks. There are a few options to fix the shape of the chest.
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Vacuum Bell Device
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A device called a vacuum bell can be used at home. It’s placed on your child’s chest and is connected to a pump that sucks the air out of the device. This makes a vacuum that pulls the chest forward. Over time, the chest wall stays forward on its own.
Kids wear the vacuum bell each day for several hours. It can take 3-6 months to see any changes. The device tends to work better on younger children but can be used for all ages.
Surgery
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If surgery is needed, doctors may do one of these procedures:
- The Nuss procedure or minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). Minimally invasive means that only a few small incisions (cuts) are needed. The surgeon puts one or more curved metal bars in the chest to push out the breastbone and ribs. Sometimes a stabilizer bar is added to keep it all in place. The chest should be permanently reshaped in 2-3 years, and the surgeon will take out the bars. This is the most common surgery used to fix pectus excavatum.
- The Ravitch procedure or the open procedure. First, a surgeon removes that connects the ribs to the breastbone. Then, they place a support system in the chest to hold it in the right position. As new cartilage grows back, the chest and ribs stay flat. The support is taken out after about 6 months.
Physical Therapy
Doctors also might suggest physical therapy and exercises. These can make the chest muscles stronger and improve posture.
What Else Should I Know?
All kids with pectus excavatum should be seen by a chest wall surgeon. The condition can cause problems even when it doesn’t look very severe from the outside. Most kids and teens who have treatment do very well and are happy with the results.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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