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Non-surgical Options for Chest Wall Conditions

Contact the Nuss Center at CHKD
Phone: (757) 668-6877
Email: Pectus.Surgery@CHKD.org

Contacta con nosotros en espanol
Contáctenos de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 4:30 p. m. al (757) 668-9323.

The Compression Brace

In 2009, CHKD began to offer treatment with the dynamic compression brace. This brace, developed in Argentina, is more comfortable for children to wear and avoids the skin breakdown that occurs with traditional braces. With this brace, our young patients are more likely to successfully complete treatment.

The dynamic compression brace uses a precise amount of pressure needed to reshape the chest without causing skin breakdown or so much discomfort that the child will not wear it. A special device measures the pounds per square inch (psi) that the brace exerts, which is adjusted monthly as the chest slowly assumes a normal shape.

The dynamic compression brace is not a good alternative for young people who require more than 7.5 psi compression to achieve correction.

"Dynamic Compression Brace Treatment is Worth It." 

As one of the first patients to choose dynamic compression brace treatment back in 2010, Alyssa Testa says this non-surgical approach not only accommodated her busy lifestyle, but it also improved it. Watch her video testimonial below.

The Vacuum Bell

The pediatric surgeons at CHKD, renowned for their expertise in chest wall deformities, offer the vacuum bell as an alternative to surgery for patients with pectus excavatum. Typically, we recommend starting treatment at around 10 to 11 years of age, however some patients have begun therapy as young as 7 years old.

The Science of Suction

The vacuum bell device uses a suction cup that creates a vacuum seal on the chest wall which lifts the sternum, correcting pectus excavatum over time, in many cases, through non-invasive treatment. Patients are able to use the device without interfering with school, sports, or other daily activities.

The team of pediatric surgeons at CHKD has trained and collaborates with surgeon Dr. Frank-Martin Haecker  at University Children's Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, who has among the most experience worldwide in the use of the vacuum bell. Our surgeons also continue to collaborate with German engineer Eckart Klobe, the who developed the vacuum bell.

Is it Pectus? Send a Photo

In most cases, chest wall deformities can be diagnosed with just a picture taken with your phone or any other device. If you prefer to send our team photos of your chest to review, please visit the link below and we'll contact you with more information.

Nuss Center staff showing a patient what the Nuss bar looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Nuss Procedure

Is the Nuss procedure painful? How long is the hospital stay? Our experts answer your most frequently asked questions about pectus excavatum and the Nuss procedure at CHKD.