8-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 chest wall.

As children become more active in sports, swimming, and school activities, differences in chest shape may become more noticeable.

This case documents the chest wall appearance of an 8-year-old child before treatment and after 10 months of Vacuum Bell therapy.

Initial Evaluation

Age

8 years old

Initial Assessment Date

October 2024

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest shape difference 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 characteristic funnel-shaped chest appearance.

After 10 Months

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

Improvement in the depressed area compared with baseline.

Chest Wall Contour

A smoother anterior chest wall contour was observed.

Symmetry

Improved balance between both sides of the chest.

Overall Appearance

The chest shape appeared closer to a natural chest wall contour.

Management Considerations for an 8-Year-Old Child

At age 8, 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

• Evaluate future chest wall development

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum become more noticeable as children grow?

Yes. In some children, the deformity may become more apparent during growth.

Is Vacuum Bell therapy suitable for an 8-year-old child?

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

Is imaging evaluation necessary?

Imaging studies can help assess chest wall structure and support treatment planning.

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.