Pectus excavatum is a chest disorder occurring in approximately one of every 1,000 children. It is the most common type of congenital chest-wall abnormality (90%). Every day, approximately 349 people are born with pectus excavatum. This congenital deformity is characterized by a concave, "funnel" shaped chest. The inward facing sternum can apply pressure to the vital organs of the chest, resulting in restricted organ growth and shortness of breath. Mildly present at birth, pectus excavatum usually becomes more serious throughout childhood, often magnifying considerably during the teenage years.

Indications: Excavatum and other sternal deformities.

Benefits Of The Nuss Technique:
Minimally invasive operation - Use of this technique requires neither cartilage incision nor resection for correction of pectus excavatum. There is no need to make an incision in the anterior chest wall, raise pectoralis muscle flaps, resect rib cartilages or perform sternal osteotomy.
Reduced operating time - The procedure requires approximately forty minutes, as opposed to the four to six hours required for a chest reconstruction.
Minimal blood loss - Blood loss is generally 10 to 30ccs, compared to the 300ccs lost with the standard products and techniques.
Early return to regular activity - Reportedly, the average time for a patient to resume usual activities, once treated with the Biomet Microfixation Pectus Bar, is one month. However individual time frames may vary, based upon physician recommendations.
Normal long-term chest correction - Using the Pectus Bar the patient can experience ease of breathing, normal chest expansion and elasticity, and proper lung and heart growth.
Excellent Long-term cosmetic result - A 10 Year Study of a Minimally Invasive Technique for the Correction of Pectus Excavatum indicated excellent long term results. The Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 1998; 33(4). Donald Nuss, M.B., Ch.B.; Robert E. Kelly, Jr., M.D.; Daniel P. Croitoru, M.D.; Michael E. Katz, M.D.