Pectus Excavatum Vacuum Bell Treatment is a medical product, also known as the Vacuum Bell. It is an instrument usually in the shape of a bowl made of orthopedic silicone and connected to a hand pump by means of a hose. The female type ones are made in a different design than the oval or round shape in order not to pull the breast tissues of women. It is used in patients with Funnel chest (Pectus excavatum).
The Vacuum Bell is manually attached to the rib cage by taking the hollow part of the chest into the bowl, with the other hand the pump is squeezed several times so that a negative pressure is created inside the bowl and pulls the hollow part of the chest upwards. The vacuum stays attached to the chest for the periods determined by your doctor, and when this time is completed, when the patient opens the tap of the air drainage system, the vacuum leaves the place where it sticks to the patient.
Vacuum Bell Treatment is ineffective in patients 17 years of age and older, since the development of the bones is completed (the epiphyseal plates of the bones are closed) and the bones can no longer be shaped in this way. (Although it seems to correct the deformity at first when used in this patient group, the chest collapses again after a while).
Since the deformity will recur when this treatment is stopped, the tratment should be continued until the patient reaches the age of 17. In this process, your doctor will follow you regularly at 6 month-intervals. In this period, if you prefer to be examined online you will be also able to be followed up through online consultation. Of course, during the treatment period, the frequency of use of vacum will be gradually reduced to be adjusted by your doctor. For example, if 2 hours of daily use is recommended in the first year of treatment, this period can be reduced to 1 hour in the 3rd year, and after 5 years, it can be used every other day.
On the right patient, the ideal product, the right size, the correct positioning of the product on the patient, vacuuming at the appropriate pressure and other information, Dr. Pectus will support you with all its experience and will provide you with assurance by being accessible for all your problems after the treatment.
Since the deformity will recur when this treatment is stopped, it should be continued until the patient reaches the age of 17. In this process, your doctor will follow you for 6 months and you will be able to follow up through online consultation. Of course, during the treatment period, the frequency of use will be gradually reduced to be adjusted by your doctor. For example, if 2 hours of daily use is recommended in the first year of treatment, this period can be reduced to 1 hour in the 3rd year, and after 5 years, it can be used every other day.
