The vacuum treatment for the pectus excavatum thickened subcutaneous fat of the chest wall and is effective in preteenagers
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In brief
In brief
Vacuum Bell therapy for pectus excavatum reduced chest depression depth in 93% of patients by thickening subcutaneous fat rather than changing the Haller index. Treatment was most effective in preteenagers under 13 years, suggesting earlier intervention optimizes outcomes for this non-surgical approach.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
We report effects of treatment for pectus excavatum (PE) with a Vacuum Bell (VB).
Materials and methods
Fifteen patients (13 males and 2 females) undergoing VB therapy over 6 years, aged 6–17 years (mean: 11.1 years), were divided into two Groups: Group 1 (G1), preteenagers (< 13 years); Group 2 (G2), teenagers (≧ 13 years). We retrospectively recorded changes in depth of depression and the Haller index.
Results
The depth of depression reduced in 93.3% of 15 patients (mean; 8.7 mm). Minimal change occurred in the Haller index but the subcutaneous fat thickened significantly (11/15 patients). The improvement rate on elevation of the chest wall was better in G1 than G2 (G1: 54.0% vs G2: 51.3%).
Conclusion
The maximum depth of depression improved in PE patients as a result of thickening of subcutaneous fat. VB is most effective in preteenagers with PE.