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

Case Background

Pectus Excavatum is a common chest wall deformity characterized by a sunken sternum and inward depression of the anterior chest wall.

During the preschool years, chest wall differences often become more noticeable as children grow.

This case presents the chest wall appearance of a 4-year-old child before treatment and after 1 year of Vacuum Bell management.

Initial Evaluation

Age

4 years old

Initial Assessment Date

July 2024

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest indentation noticed by parents

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 observed, creating a typical funnel-shaped chest appearance.

After 1 Year

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Reduced sternal depression

• Improved chest wall contour

• More natural chest appearance

• Better chest symmetry

Clinical Outcome Summary

Based on image comparison:

Sternum Position

Improved compared with the initial assessment.

Chest Wall Contour

Smoother anterior chest wall appearance.

Symmetry

More balanced chest wall structure.

Overall Appearance

Closer to a natural chest shape.

Why Evaluation During Preschool Years Matters

Between ages 4 and 6, the chest wall continues to grow and develop.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall growth

• Assess progression of the deformity

• Support long-term management planning

• Guide future treatment decisions

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum become more noticeable with growth?

Yes. In some children, the deformity becomes more apparent during childhood and adolescence.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for a 4-year-old child?

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 Yiakng Medical provides:

✓ Professional Chest Wall Evaluation
✓ CT Imaging Analysis
✓ 3D Chest Wall Reconstruction
✓ Custom Vacuum Bell Design Based on CT or 3D Chest Modeling
✓ Long-Term Follow-Up Support

Contact our team for a personalized assessment.