Australia's Only Specialist Pectus Bracing Centre
Pectus excavatum, often called "funnel chest" or "sunken chest," is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, characterised by an inward depression of the breastbone (sternum) and ribs. This condition is more common in boys and can be present at birth, though it frequently becomes more pronounced during the adolescent growth spurt. The exact cause is not fully known, but it's believed to stem from abnormal growth of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum.
For many, the primary concern is the cosmetic appearance of the chest, which can lead to self-consciousness and avoidance of activities like swimming. In some cases, a severe indentation can impact physical health, potentially restricting lung capacity and displacing the heart, which may lead to:
Consulting a cardio-thoracic surgeon is essential to consider what treatment options are available. Severe cases of pectus excavatum can interfere with the function of the lungs and heart. But even mild cases of pectus excavatum can make people feel self-conscious about their appearance.
The vacuum bell is a device that utilises negative pressure to elevate the depressed sternum. It has been proven to be an effective option to try before surgery. The device is placed on the chest, and a connected hand pump is used to create a vacuum effect. This gentle, sustained force gradually lifts the sternum over time.
The principle is based on the flexibility of the chest wall's cartilage and bones. With consistent and prolonged use, the sustained lift encourages the sternum and ribs to remodel and hold a new, flatter position. The treatment essentially stretches the muscles and soft tissues that pull the sternum inward, allowing it to elevate. This process can take many months, or even years, depending on the individual's age and chest flexibility.
The Vacuum Bell is a fantastic non-surgical tool for improving the cosmetic appearance of a sunken chest. Here’s who it's designed for:
This therapy is focused on cosmetic correction. It is typically not the recommended treatment for severe cases of pectus excavatum that result in secondary cardiovascular or respiratory problems.
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."
Our AOPA qualified Orthotist's can help you today. Please Contact us to book an appointment!
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