Article
The Vacuum Bell for Conservative Treatment of Pectus Excavatum: Assessment of its Efficacy by Three-dimensional Photography
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Authors
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Sergio Bruno Sesia
- Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel (UKBB), Kinderchirurgie, Basel, Schweiz
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Matthias Kreutz
- Universitätsspital Basel (USB), Mund-Kiefer-Gesichtschirurgie, Basel, Schweiz
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Joerg-Christoph Blecher
- Cranioform AG, Entwicklung, Alpnach, Schweiz
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Frank-Martin Haecker
- Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel (UKBB), Kinderchirurgie, Basel, Schweiz
| Published: | April 24, 2015 |
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Outline
Text
Introduction: The conservative treatment of pectus excavatum (PE) using the vacuum bell represents a valid alternative to surgical minimally invasive repair (MIRPE) technique by Nuss for selected patients. The objective assessment of its efficacy (elevation of the sternum) is still a challenge. Until today, accurate measurement of the degree of PE is only ensured by a computer tomography of the chest. This study was performed to evaluate the reliability and quality of the three-dimensional (3D) photography to assess the improvement of the funnel chest under the vacuum bell therapy.
Material and methods: After institutional review board approval and written consent, the chest of six children with pectus excavatum was analysed by 3D photography before and 6 month after starting the conservative treatment using the vacuum bell. The device was used for 30 minutes twice a day.
Results: 6 patients were included. The 3D-photography enabled an objective assessment of the elevation of the sternum, which was improved in the median up to 16,8 mm.
Conclusion: 3D photography represents a valuable alternative to thoracal CT-scan to assess the degree of PE. It is a radiation-free, reliable and a high qualitative tool to track the clinical course of the conservative treatment of PE by the vacuum bell.
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