Australia’s Only Specialist Centre for Klobe Vacuum Bell Therapy
The Eckart Klobe Vacuum Bell: Non-Surgical Pectus Excavatum
Australia’s Leading Evidence-Based Centre for Non-Invasive Treatment
Pectus Excavatum—a condition where the sternum appears sunken—no longer requires surgery as the only path to correction. Since 2005, the original German-engineered Klobe Vacuum Bell has emerged as a truly non-invasive breakthrough. Working alongside Australia’s top paediatric and thoracic surgeons, Pectus Centre utilises evidence-based protocols backed by 15 years of research from Prof. Dr. Frank-Martin Haecker.
If you are seeking an alternative to the Nuss Procedure, the Klobe Vacuum Bell treatment offers the best opportunity to achieve a visible change in chest shape while restoring your child’s self-esteem."
The Science of Success: Evidence-Based Results
While many "suction" devices exist online, the Eckart Klobe device is the only vacuum bell with extensive clinical peer-reviewed data supporting its safety and efficacy.
The "Haecker" Research Findings
Our treatment plans are based on the studies published by Dr. Frank-Martin Haecker (University Children’s Hospital, Basel). Key findings from his research include:
- High Success Rates: In a 10-year study of over 130 patients, Haecker (2011) demonstrated that the vacuum bell is a highly effective therapy, particularly for patients with symmetric and flexible Pectus Excavatum.
- Permanent Correction: Research shows that consistent application leads to the permanent remodelling of the costal cartilages. Once the sternum has been lifted and stabilised over a period of 12–24 months, the results are typically permanent.
- Safety Profile: Haecker’s publications confirm that when monitored by a clinician, the vacuum bell is remarkably safe. Reported side effects are minimal and transient, such as temporary skin redness or mild bruising
- Alternative to Surgery: Haecker’s research identifies the vacuum bell as a primary treatment option for patients who wish to avoid the risks associated with the Nuss or Ravitch surgical procedures.
How the Vacuum Bell Works and Its Applications
The vacuum bell is a soft, dome-shaped device, usually made of silicone. It's placed over the sunken part of the chest, and a small hand pump is used to create a gentle suction inside the bell.
This suction does two main things:
- It lifts the chest: The negative pressure gently pulls the breastbone (sternum) and the attached rib cartilages forward and outward. You can actually see the chest rise when the vacuum is applied.
- It relieves pressure: Doctors believe that the inward curve of pectus excavatum might be caused by too much inward pressure on the growing parts of the ribs. The vacuum bell's lifting action helps to ease this pressure, allowing the chest to grow more freely in the right direction.
The Science Behind the Correction
The vacuum bell doesn't just temporarily lift the chest; it helps your body make lasting changes by tapping into two natural biological principles:
1. Guiding Growth (The Hueter-Volkmann Principle):
- The Issue with Pectus: Imagine the flexible cartilage in your ribs as a growing structure. In pectus excavatum, it's thought that an uneven or excessive inward pressure on these growing cartilages might cause them to grow inwards, leading to the sunken chest. This principle tells us that pressure can slow growth, while stretching or pulling can encourage it.
- The Vacuum Bell's Role: By consistently pulling the chest outwards, the vacuum bell replaces that inward pressure with an outward stretch. This outward pull encourages the rib cartilages to grow longer and straighter in the forward direction. It essentially "re-teaches" the growing parts of the ribs to develop outwards, away from the body's centre.
2. Adapting to Force (Wolff's Law):
- Your Body Adapts: This principle explains how our bones and cartilage naturally adapt and change shape based on the forces they experience. If you put consistent, gentle force on them, they will slowly remodel to better handle that force.
- The Vacuum Bell's Role: The vacuum bell applies a new, outward-directed force to the sternum and rib cartilages. Over time, your body senses this new force. The cells within the cartilage and even the bone of the sternum respond by gradually remodelling their structure. They change shape, straighten out, and become more stable in the new, corrected, outward position. This is how the chest learns to hold its improved shape even when the vacuum bell isn't being worn.
Am I a Candidate for Klobe Vacuum Bell Therapy?
Vacuum Bell Therapy (VBT) is a non-surgical treatment for Pectus Excavatum. While highly effective, patient safety is our priority. A doctor’s referral is preferred for all patients to ensure they are a suitable candidate.
1. Medical Clearance
Before beginning treatment, your doctor must confirm you do not have the following contraindications:
- Skeletal Disorders: Osteogenesis imperfecta, Glisson's disease, or severe scoliosis/kyphosis.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or aortic conditions.
- Bleeding Disorders: Hemophilia or thrombocytopenia.
- Cardiac Disorders: Structural heart disease or specific arrhythmias.
- Skin Conditions: Active infections or severe skin sensitivity at the application site.
- Severe PE: For very deep cases, surgery is often preferred, though VBT may be used if surgery is not an option.
2. Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
VBT is generally most successful for patients who meet these clinical indicators:
- Severity: Mild to moderate defects (typically depths <1.5cm to 1.8cm).
- Symmetry: Symmetric chest shapes generally respond better than asymmetric ones.
- Age & Flexibility: Best results are seen in pre-pubertal children (11 - 13 years) due to chest wall flexibility. Adults can be treated, but the process takes longer.
- Preference: Ideal for those seeking a conservative, non-invasive alternative to surgery. Or something to try in the interim before surgery.
3. Success Indicators (Haecker's Groups)
We use the Haecker classification to estimate your treatment timeline:
- Group I (Mild/Flexible): Children with mild, symmetric PE. Estimated treatment: 12–15 months.
- Group II (Moderate/Firm): Adolescents and adults with deeper PE. Estimated treatment: 24–36 months.
- Group III (Severe/Stiff): Patients with severe asymmetry or stiff chest walls. These cases are higher risk for failure and are often treated as a final "trial" before considering surgery.
An Important Note on Vacuum Bell Devices: Eckart Klobe
It's important to recognize that not all vacuum bell devices are supported by the same level of scientific research. The Eckart Klobes Vacuum Bell is currently the only device that has accumulated a substantial body of evidence and published journal papers supporting its use as a conservative (non-surgical) treatment for pectus excavatum. This extensive research provides confidence in its design and effectiveness for patient care.
Research emphasizes that clinical oversight is essential for success. Self-treating with uncertified devices purchased online carries risks of skin necrosis, rib pain, and ineffective correction.
As Australia’s specialist centre, we provide:
- Precise Fitting: Ensuring the correct Klobe size
- Pressure Calibration: Teaching you how to reach the optimal "Negative Pressure"
- Long-term Monitoring: Adjusting wear-time protocols based on your 3D scan results.
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."
3D Monitoring & Progress Tracking
To ensure the best outcomes for our patients using the Klobe Vacuum Bell, we utilise 3D scanning technology (the Structure Sensor system).
This radiation-free protocol allows us to capture a highly accurate digital map of the chest, providing an objective way to measure the physical changes in the chest wall over time.
Why 3D Scanning?
Traditionally, the severity of Pectus Excavatum has been measured using the Haller Index (HI), which typically requires a CT scan or MRI. While effective, CT scans involve radiation, and MRIs can be time-consuming and costly for regular monitoring.
Our 3D scanning system provides a safer, "X-ray-free" alternative. By creating a 3D digital model of your chest, we can calculate the External Haller Index (EHI). Research has shown that the EHI measured via 3D scanning correlates strongly with the internal Haller Index measured by MRI, making it an excellent and reliable tool for routine clinical follow-up!
Evidence-Based Monitoring
Our scanning protocol is guided by the latest medical research, specifically the study:
"Efficiency of non-operative management for pectus deformities in children using an X-ray-free protocol" (Published in Interdisciplinary CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2023).
This research demonstrates that:
- Objective Results: 3D scanning is a reliable and accurate way to monitor the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments like the Vacuum Bell.
- Rapid Improvement: Patients often see significant improvements in the shape of their chest within the first 6 to 12 months of consistent use.
- Motivation through Data: By seeing a 3D "before and after" overlay of their own chest, patients (and parents) can clearly visualize the progress, which helps maintain the motivation needed for successful treatment.
Tracking Your Success
During your consultations, we will use the External Haller Index (EHI) to determine exactly how effectively the Vacuum Bell is reshaping the chest. By comparing your scans over several months, we can adjust your treatment plan to ensure we are achieving the best possible cosmetic and functional results.
Ready to start your journey?