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What is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is a congenital disorder which causes the chest to have a sunken or "caved in" appearance (sometimes called "sunken chest syndrome"). It is the most common congenital chest wall abnormality in children. Typically the disorder is noticeable at birth and becomes pronouced during the rapid growth period of adolescence. The severity can range from a moderate indentation in the chest to an extreme concave depression that can constrict the internal organs.
Historically, pectus excavatum was incorrectly considered as only a cosmetic defect. However, several recent studies have revealed that some children with the disorder also suffer from heart and breathing difficulties as a result of the constriction of the deformed ribcage.
How is Pectus Typically Corrected?
For many years, pectus excavatum has been corrected by major surgical reconstruction under general anesthesia in one of two methods. Deformed cartilages are removed, through a large midchest incision, and the sternum is supported in its new position by a long metal bar. Alternatively, a metal bar is inserted through small incisions on the side of the chest and the sternum is forced forward and held in place with the metal bar. Because the bar in the chest is under a great deal of pressure, pain can last for weeks.
Visit the UCSF Pediatric Surgery site to learn more about pectus excavatum
In an effort to make the pectus excavatum operation better for patients and their families, Dr. Michael Harrison, founder of the Kids 'n' Moms organization, has developed a new way to correct the deformity. With the Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure (3MP), we can achieve gradual deformation / reformation of chest wall cartilage without requiring the insertion of a painful metal support bar or hospitalization for pain management.
Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure
Two magnets, one inside the chest and the other outside the chest,
are used to create a magnetic force field which applies a controlled
sustained force. The goal is to promote the rib cartilage to move to
a more normal position. This results in a more gradual correction of
the chest wall over a period of months using nominal force—this
is the same principle used in moving teeth with orthodontic braces.
Visit the
UCSF Pediatric Surgery site to learn more about the MMM Procedure
Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure Trial Study
We will be testing the safety and benefit of this procedure on patients with pectus excavatumin who are between 8 years and 14 years of age and are otherwise healthy. Over the last two years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extensively reviewed this proposed study with a particular emphasis on patient safety. The FDA has now approved use of the Mini-Magnetic Mover device (FDA Investigational Device Exemption # G050196/A002; 08/01/06).
Visit the UCSF Pediatric Surgery site to learn more about the MNN trial study
Visit the UCSF Pediatric Surgery site to learn how to participate in the study