Vacuum bell (medicine)
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The vacuum bell is a medical device used in the treatment of pectus excavatum, one of the most common chest wall defects.[1] The bell is mainly used to treat the cosmetic problems associated with the condition, as symptomatic cases of pectus excavatum are usually more severe, and may require surgery. It was invented by a German engineer named Klobe, and is sold online in Europe by Klobe himself, and in the US by Costa.
A 2006 study of 34 patients (31 male and 3 female), aged between 6-52 years, who used the bell for 1-18 months showed immediate improvements. The patients were followed up with clinical examination, photography and CT scans. After 3 months, 27 of the patients displayed an elevation of the sternum of more than 1.5cm, and after 12 months the sternum was lifted to a normal level within 5 of the patients. Studies showing long term improvements are currently lacking, but so far research appears promising.[2]
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[edit] Method of usage
The rubber bell is placed onto the chest wall so that a seal is created, and a hand pump connected to the bell by an air tube is used to reduce pressure inside the bell to up to 15% below atmospheric pressure. The drop in pressure results in the sternum being lifted upwards and a temporary resolution of the deformity.[3]
[edit] Contraindications
Use of the bell is not advised if any of the following conditions are present in a patient:
- Angiopathy
- Aneurysm
- Blood coagulation disorders (e.g. Haemophilia).
- Disorders affecting bone firmness (e.g. Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Osteoporosis).
[edit] Side effects
Possible side effects from using the device include:
- Haematoma
- Backache
- Drops of blood appearing on the skin
- Local edema
- Excoriation
[edit] References
- ^ Pectus excavatum - pathophysiology, clinical presentation, surgical repair.
- ^ Haecker, FM; Mayr J (April 2006). "The vacuum bell for treatment of pectus excavatum: an alternative to surgical correction?". European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery 29 (4): 557–561. PMID 16473516.
- ^ Schier F, Bahr M, Klobe E (March 2005). "The vacuum chest wall lifter: an innovative, nonsurgical addition to the management of pectus excavatum". J. Pediatr. Surg. 40 (3): 496–500. doi:. PMID 15793724.
