unique orthopaedic devices

The Klobe Vacuum Bell Overview

Conservative management of pectus excavatum
The alternative to surgery

Pectus excavatum management

Management of pectus excavatum has tradionally been by use of thoracic surgery (the Nuss procedure - pectus bar and others), by plastic surgery or by more conservative means including exercise regimes and the use of a vacuum bell.

The Klobe Vacuum Bell - an alternative to surgery

● Not surgical
● Not invasive
● Performed during daily life activities
● Applicable until middle age
● Functions in a similar way to braces used for teeth

Indications

● Pectus excavatum (funnel chest) and related bone and cartilage deformities
● Patients between ages 5 and 59
● Designed for home use / school / work

Contraindications

● Skeletal disorders affecting bone stability. (e.g. osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta)
● Vascular disorders of the central cardiovascular system (e.g. aneurysm or as part of the Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, etc)
● Coagulation disorders (e.g. thrombopathy, haemophilia or when taking strong anticoagulants)

Restrictions on intended use

Do not use the Vacuum Bell

● If an implant supports / reshapes the rib cage from within or if such an implant has failed to support / reshape the rib cage from within
● In situations where the blood may be supersaturated with dissolved gases.(e.g. in transport such as airplanes or high altitude railroads or immediately after a dive)
● During thoracic surgery (the Vacuum Bell is neither sterile, nor intended for sterilisation)