Australia's only specialist centre for Pectus Carinatum bracing, Pectus Excavatum vacuum bell therapy, and rib flare correction.
Pectus Excavatum: Non-Surgical Solution with the Vacuum Bell
Understanding the Eckart Klobe Vacuum Bell for Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum, a condition where the breastbone appears sunken, has traditionally been treated with surgical interventions. However, over a decade ago, in 2005, Eckart Klobe developed a ground breaking non-surgical approach: the vacuum bell device. Since then it has gained significant attention as one of the few truly non-invasive treatments for pectus excavatum.
How the Vacuum Bell Works and Its Applications
The vacuum bell operates by creating suction over the affected area of the chest, gently lifting the breastbone forward. This sustained negative pressure aims to reshape the chest wall over time.
One of its increasingly common uses, particularly among doctors performing the NUSS procedure (a minimally invasive surgical repair), is to temporarily lift the breastbone. This creates a safer space for the surgical bar to be inserted behind the sternum.
For younger patients with a pliable anterior chest wall, there are promising reports of good results with the vacuum bell as a primary treatment. However, its long-term effectiveness and application in older patients are still undergoing assessment.
Your Journey with the Vacuum Bell at Our Clinic
Following an initial consultation, we will comprehensively assess if the vacuum bell will be an appropriate treatment.
If the vacuum bell is deemed a suitable option after a 3D scan, we will measure and position the device over your chest. Suction will then be carefully applied to bring the sternum forward as part of the assessment.
As the only clinic in Australia to offer the original Eckart Klobe vacuum bell brand, we provide a unique advantage. Our treatment protocols are directly backed by his extensive publications and journal articles.
Is Vacuum Bell Treatment Effective?
Recent medical research supports the idea that "Vacuum Bell Therapy is a safe therapy for treating pectus excavatum in a non-surgical conservative manner with few complications reported. However, the success of VBT is largely dependent on patient compliance and motivation. Permanence of correction after completion of VBT needs to be properly assessed through rigorous follow-up, and currently the success of correction, i.e. permanence, remains in the hands of the patient."
Want To Try Vacuum Bell Treatment?
Our AOPA qualified Orthotist's can help you today. Please Contact us to book an appointment!