3-Year-Old Child Pectus Excavatum Case: Before and After Vacuum Bell Treatment

Case Background

Pectus Excavatum is one of the most common chest wall deformities in children and is characterized by a sunken sternum.

In some children, the deformity becomes more noticeable as they grow and become more physically active.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of a 3-year-old child before treatment and after 2 years of Vacuum Bell management.

Initial Evaluation

Age

3 years old

Initial Assessment Date

July 2023

Main Findings

• Visible sternal depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Mild chest asymmetry

• Parents noticed a pronounced chest indentation compared with peers

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest appearance

• Reduce visible depression

• Improve chest symmetry

• Support normal chest wall development

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A noticeable depression of the sternum was present, creating a characteristic funnel-shaped chest appearance.

After 2 Years

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Reduced sternal depression

• Improved chest contour

• More natural chest appearance

• Better chest wall symmetry

Clinical Outcome Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternum Position

Improved compared with the initial assessment.

Chest Contour

Smoother anterior chest wall appearance.

Symmetry

More balanced chest wall structure.

Overall Appearance

Closer to a natural chest shape.

Management Considerations for Preschool Children

Between ages 3 and 6, the chest wall continues to grow and develop.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall growth

• Track deformity progression

• Support long-term management planning

• Guide future treatment decisions

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum worsen as a child grows?

Yes. In some cases, the deformity becomes more noticeable during childhood and adolescence.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for preschool children?

Suitability depends on chest wall flexibility, severity of the deformity, and professional evaluation.

Should children without symptoms still be evaluated?

Yes. Regular monitoring can help assess chest wall development over time.

Important Notice

This case is provided for educational purposes only.

Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy, growth patterns, and treatment response.

Interested in Learning Whether Vacuum Bell Therapy May Be Suitable for Your Child?

EMK Yikang Medical provides:

✓ Professional Chest Wall Evaluation
✓ CT Imaging Analysis
✓ 3D Chest Wall Reconstruction
✓ Customized Vacuum Bell Design
✓ Long-Term Follow-Up Support

 Contact our team for a personalized assessment.