Quantifying Changes in the Thoracic Wall After Nuss Bar Removal in Pectus Excavatum Patients Using 3D Imaging (CHEST)

Erik de Loos

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pectus Excavatum

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07498699

Z2019101

Details and patient eligibility

About

Pectus excavatum (funnel chest) is the most common congenital anterior thoracic wall deformity. It can be associated not only with cosmetic concerns but also with psychosocial and limiting somatic complaints. Patients with this condition are often treated surgically using the Nuss bar procedure, in which a metal bar is placed behind the sternum to effectively "pop out" the funnel chest. This bar typically remains in place for 2-3 years.

To analyze how the thoracic wall changes after removal of the Nuss bar, we aim to capture three-dimensional (3D) images at four different time points: just before removal, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months post-removal. When significant changes over time are detected, we aim to identify factors that may predict retraction or recurrence. Based on these predictive factors, individualized decision-making regarding the timing of Nuss bar removal can be optimized to minimize the risk of retraction or recurrence.

Enrollment: 69 patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients of all ages and genders with a Nuss bar eligible for removal.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients in whom the bar or stabilizing components were dislocated
• Patients who underwent a second surgery for their pectus excavatum following the initial placement of the Nuss bar
• Patients in whom retrosternal metal bars have been placed for any indication other than the treatment of pectus excavatum
• Patients with connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome
• Patients diagnosed with epilepsy
• Patients who are unable to maintain a stationary standing position for approximately 60 seconds

Trial design

69 participants in 1 patient group

Postoperative 3D scans