AUSTRALIA'S LEADING SPECIALIST IN KLOBE VACUUM BELL TREATMENT
How the Vacuum Bell Works
The vacuum bell device is a soft, dome-shaped apparatus, typically made of silicone. This non-surgical therapy is placed over the sunken area of the chest, and a small hand pump is used to create gentle suction inside the bell.
This suction performs two primary functions:
- It lifts the chest: The negative pressure gently pulls the breastbone (sternum) and the attached rib cartilages forward and outward, allowing you to see the chest rise when the vacuum is applied.
- It relieves pressure: Doctors believe that the inward curve of pectus excavatum might result from excessive inward pressure on the growing sections of the ribs. The vacuum bell's lifting action helps alleviate this pressure, enabling the chest to grow more freely in the correct direction.
Am I A Candidate For Klobe Vacuum Bell Therapy?
Vacuum Bell Therapy (VBT) is a non-surgical therapy for Pectus Excavatum treatment. While this method is highly effective, patient safety remains our top priority. We prefer a doctor’s referral for all patients to ensure they are suitable candidates for this innovative approach using a vacuum bell device.
VBT is generally most successful for candidates who fit these clinical indicators:
- Severity: Mild to moderate defects (typically depths <1.5cm to 1.8cm).
- Symmetry: Symmetric chest shapes tend to respond better than asymmetric ones.
- Age & Flexibility: Best results are observed in pre-pubertal children (ages 11 - 13) due to greater chest wall flexibility. Adults can be treated, but the process typically takes longer.
- Preference: An ideal choice for those seeking a conservative, non-invasive alternative to surgery or a trial treatment before opting for surgical solutions.
Success Indicators (Haecker's Groups)
We utilize the Haecker classification to estimate your treatment timeline:
- Group I (Mild/Flexible): Children with mild, symmetric PE. Estimated treatment duration: 12–15 months.
- Group II (Moderate/Firm): Adolescents and adults with deeper PE. Estimated treatment duration: 24–36 months.
- Group III (Severe/Stiff): Patients with severe asymmetry or stiff chest walls. These cases carry a higher risk of failure and are often treated as a final "trial" before considering surgical options.
Medical Clearance Requirements
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, surgical intervention is often preferred; however, if surgery is not an option, VBT may still be utilized.
Evidence-Based Results
While many "suction" devices are available online, the Eckart Klobe vacuum bell device stands out as the only option with extensive clinical peer-reviewed data supporting its safety and efficacy in Pectus Excavatum treatment.
The "Haecker" Research Findings
Our non-surgical therapy plans are based on the studies published by Dr. Frank-Martin Haecker from the University Children’s Hospital in Basel. Key findings from his research include:
- High Success Rates: In a 10-year study involving over 130 patients, Haecker (2011) demonstrated that the vacuum bell device is a highly effective therapy, especially for patients with symmetric and flexible Pectus Excavatum.
- Permanent Correction: Research indicates that consistent application of the vacuum bell leads to the permanent remodelling of the costal cartilages. Once the sternum has been lifted and stabilized over a period of 12–24 months, the results are typically permanent.
- Safety Profile: Haecker’s publications confirm that the vacuum bell device, when monitored by a clinician, 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 non-surgical therapy option for patients who wish to avoid the risks associated with the Nuss or Ravitch surgical procedures.
For references to more research on the vacuum bell please click below!
An Important Note on Vacuum Bell Devices
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 an effective non-surgical therapy for pectus excavatum treatment. This extensive research provides confidence in its design and effectiveness for patient care.
Research emphasises that clinical oversight is essential for success. Self-treating with uncertified vacuum bell 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, a non-surgical therapy for treating pectus excavatum, is a safe option with few complications reported. However, the success of this Pectus Excavatum treatment largely depends on patient compliance and motivation. To properly assess the permanence of correction after completing the therapy, rigorous follow-up is necessary, as the long-term success remains in the hands of the patient utilizing the vacuum bell device.
3D Monitoring & Progress Tracking
To ensure the best outcomes for our patients using the vacuum bell device, we utilize 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 therapy for Pectus Excavatum treatment using 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 device 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.
Before and After with the Vacuum Bell
