2-Year-Old Infant Pectus Excavatum Case: Before and After Vacuum Bell Treatment

Case Background

Pectus Excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity characterized by a sunken sternum.

This case presents a 2-year-old child managed with Vacuum Bell therapy, showing changes in chest wall appearance before and after treatment.

Initial Evaluation (Before Treatment)

Age

2 years old

Initial Assessment Date

August 2024

Main Findings

• Visible central chest depression

• Uneven anterior chest wall contour

• Funnel-shaped chest appearance

• Chest deformity noticed in early childhood

Treatment Method

Treatment

Vacuum Bell Therapy

Approach

Non-surgical chest wall management

Goals

• Improve chest wall contour

• Reduce visible sternal depression

• Support chest wall development

• Improve symmetry

Before Treatment

Clinical Observation

A noticeable sternal depression was observed, consistent with Pectus Excavatum.

After 1 Year and 4 Months

Clinical Observation

Compared with baseline:

• Reduced chest depression

• Improved chest contour

• More natural chest appearance

• Better symmetry

Clinical Outcome Summary

After 1 year and 4 months of Vacuum Bell therapy:

• Reduced sternal depression

• Improved anterior chest contour

• More balanced chest appearance

Why Early Childhood Matters

At 2 years old, the chest wall is still highly flexible and developing.

Early evaluation may help:

• Monitor chest wall growth

• Track deformity progression

• Guide long-term management

FAQ

Can pectus excavatum worsen in children?

Yes, in some cases the deformity may become more noticeable during growth.

Is Vacuum Bell suitable for young children?

Suitability depends on individual evaluation, chest wall flexibility, and clinical judgment.

Can pectus excavatum improve naturally?

Some mild cases may change with growth, but progression is also possible.

Does every child need treatment?

No. Treatment decisions depend on individual assessment.

Important Notice

This case is for educational purposes only.

Individual outcomes vary depending on anatomy, severity, age, and treatment response.

Interested in Pediatric Chest Wall Evaluation?

EMK Yikang Medical provides:

• Chest wall assessment

• CT-based evaluation

• 3D reconstruction

• Custom Vacuum Bell design

• Long-term follow-up support

Contact our team for a professional evaluation