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

Case Background

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

As children enter school age, participation in sports, swimming, and daily activities often makes chest wall differences more noticeable.

This case presents the chest wall appearance of a 6-year-old child before treatment and after long-term Vacuum Bell management.

Initial Evaluation

Age

6 years old

Initial Assessment Date

June 2023

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Typical funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest deformity noticed during daily activities

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 and 1 Month

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.

Management Considerations for School-Age Children

Between ages 6 and 12, the chest wall continues to grow and develop.

Regular evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall development

• Track progression of the deformity

• Support long-term management planning

• Prepare for future growth changes

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum become more noticeable as children grow?

Yes. In some patients, the deformity may become more apparent during childhood and adolescence.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for school-age 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 growth and development.

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 Design Based on CT or 3D Chest Modeling
✓ Long-Term Follow-Up Support

 Contact our team for a personalized assessment.