Minimally invasive repair of pectus carinatum using a newly designed bar and stabilizer: a single-institution experience

Abstract

Objective: A modified technique of the Nuss procedure for the minimally invasive repair of pectus carinatum was defined by Abramson, and it has been gaining support for the last few years. We have been performing the Abramson procedure in our institutions since 2006. This article describes our recent experience with a novel instrument for pectus carinatum correction. Methods: In 2008, we developed a new pectus bar and stabilizing system for this procedure and started using it on our pectus carinatum patients. Between July 2008 and December 2009, 18 patients were operated on with these newly designed implants. Results: Excellent esthetic results obtained regarding the postoperative course, verified with the patients' and parent's answers on a satisfaction questionnaire; all patients except one (94.4%) feeling satisfied with the operation. Two of the bars have been removed during the 18-month follow-up. Three fixating steel wire breakages requiring re-fixing of the stabilizers and two local skin adhesions over the bar were seen as postoperative complications. Conclusion: This article describes a novel instrument and surgical technique that is safely and easily used in minimally invasive correction of pectus carinatum deformities, with minimal complications and high satisfaction rates. (C) 2010 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.