A new study suggests that using a vacuum bell during the Nuss procedure may be an effective way to lift the chest to help prevent cardiac perforation. The Nuss procedure for Pectus excavatum is becoming increasingly popular as a safe and effective alternative to the mostly outdated Ravitch procedure. A major risk in the Nuss… Read More »
NEW: Sign up for updates with your email address on the right side of this page. The Nuss Procedure for the repair of Pectus excavatum is one of the most painful surgical procedures. The chest is an especially sensitive area and the sudden reshaping of the chest wall, including ribs and costal cartilage, can be… Read More »
This is a very difficult question to answer, but one of the most common. The overall conclusion of a few studies is that they appear to be very similar with respect to complication rates. The best we can do is look to several recent journal articles investigating this question. However, it is very important to… Read More »
Here is a story from a Pectus Excavatum patient who had the Nuss Procedure done (email her at jahantelfah@yahoo.com): “I am now a year and 7 months post op. I also have a stabilizer in my left side with a wire running through it like a figure 8. At my one year mark I started… Read More »
The most common question that people have before they undergo the Nuss Procedure is “Any tips?” Of course, each person is different when it comes to the Nuss Procedure. Some people need 1 bar. Others need 4. Some people are young and flexible. Others are old and stiff. Keep this in mind as you think… Read More »
Responses from the Pectus Facebook page: C.A.: Modified Ravitch: $3500 after insurance C.A.: In Australia, it is free M.E.: Cash pay at Mayo, Arizona is around $25,000 C.W.: $100,000 without insurance K.H.: $45,000 without insurance L.M.: $3000 with insurance B.R.: $3000 with insurance D.R.: $3000 with insurance J.D.: $95,000 without insurance H.D.: $150,000 without insurance,… Read More »
Here are some images I had my surgeon take during my Nuss Procedure. The view is coming from the thoracoscope, which surgeons use to help see what they are doing and to help guide the bar(s). In general, most pictures feature a heart (with some yellowish fat on it) usually on the right side and… Read More »
If you are a Pectus Excavatum patient and are thinking about the Nuss Procedure, you’ll want to start by classifying yourself based on your personal preference: I want the procedure done for cosmetic reasons. I want the procedure done for medical reasons. I want the procedure done for cosmetic and medical reasons. You can start… Read More »
Although the ideal time to have the Nuss Procedure in the surgical treatment of Pectus Excavatum is in the teenage years, adults are also eligible for the procedure. Here are some examples of doctors who have done the procedure on adults and published the results: The Pediatric Surgical Center of Amsterdam had a 47 year… Read More »