Unsophisticated assessment of the cardiopulmonary function in patients with pectus excavatum using the six minute walk test.

Background: We explored whether the maximum predicted walking distance, assessed with six-minute walk test (6MWT) and reflecting submaximal functional exercise capacity, is decreased among patients with pectus excavatum (PEX).

Methods: This study comprised a retrospective analysis of patients with PEX who underwent a 6MWT for the assessment of functional capacity. The maximum distance walked was recorded and compared to reference values established for different populations, including a young and healthy South American population.

Determinants of success associated with vacuum bell treatment of pectus excavatum.

Background/purpose: We explored determinants of success in a large cohort of patients with pectus excavatum submitted to vacuum bell treatment and compared groups with satisfactory versus unsatisfactory outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective case-control study in a single center between May 2013 and January 2020, including patients with pectus excavatum treated with vacuum bell. We classified patients according to their status at closure of data registry (surveillance; withdrawal; complete correction; failure) and according to Obermeyer's classification of degrees of pectus excavatum correction.

Remote treatment of pectus carinatum (Telepectus) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background/purpose: To report telemedicine's feasibility and satisfaction rates for treating patients with pectus carinatum using a dynamic compressor system. We analyzed treatment adherence in comparison with the previous, non-pandemic year.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis including patients with pectus carinatum under treatment with a dynamic compressor system using telemedicine at the chest wall centers from two hospitals, private and public, between April and July 2020.

Surgical Planning, Simulation, and Prosthesis Customization for Complex Chest Wall Malformations.

Despite the emergent application of 3-dimensional technology for thoracic reconstructions, reports regarding its use for the resolution of the heterogeneous subgroup of complex chest wall malformations are lacking. We aim to report a novel, standardized process of personalized repair of complex chest wall malformations comprising multidisciplinary, comprehensive surgical planning; surgical simulation on a 3-dimensionally printed scale model of the area of interest; manufacturing of customized prostheses; and surgical repair according to plan. We propose this therapeutic strategy for the resolution of such a wide variety of chest wall deformities to reduce improvisation and enhance outcomes.

From bench to bedside: 3D reconstruction and printing as a valuable tool for the chest wall surgeon.

Background/purpose: The development of computer-aided design/manufacturing and digital image technology shows promise to revolutionize several medical and surgical fields. In this context, we propose a different approach for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) including preoperative planning, ambulatory template fitting, and implant customization.

Methods: We prospectively collected data on 130 consecutive patients who underwent a novel process of implant customization for MIRPE between November 2015 and September 2019 at our institution.

Safety-string: A handy maneuver to control pectus bar removal bleeding complications.

The pectus bar removal procedure is often considered a simple, straightforward surgery with a low incidence of complications. However, life-threatening bleeding complications have been reported requiring major measures for hemostatic control. Our objective is to share a simple maneuver that our group has systematically included in the bar removal procedure to facilitate bleeding control in case hemorrhage occurs.