A vacuum bell is a non-surgical device designed to address certain chest wall deformities. It consists of a bell- or cup-shaped dome connected to a pump, which can be manual or automatic. When placed on the chest, this device creates suction, generating negative pressure that gently pulls the sternum, or breastbone, outwards. This external force aims to gradually reshape the chest wall over time for correction.
Addressing Pectus Excavatum
The vacuum bell primarily targets pectus excavatum, a chest wall deformity. This condition, also known as sunken chest or funnel chest, causes the sternum and ribs to grow abnormally inward, leading to a caved-in appearance of the chest. The indentation can vary in shape.
Pectus excavatum can be present at birth or develop later, often becoming more noticeable during adolescence and growth spurts. While mild cases may only present cosmetic concerns, more severe instances can displace the heart, compress the lungs, and lead to physical symptoms such as shortness of breath with exercise, fatigue, chest pain, and heart palpitations. The vacuum bell corrects this deformity, improving both the chest’s appearance and potential physiological impacts.
Mechanism of Action
The vacuum bell operates on the principle of negative pressure application to induce gradual changes in the chest wall. When the dome is placed over the sunken area and air is pumped out, a vacuum is created. This negative pressure pulls the sternum and adjacent ribs upward, causing an immediate, temporary elevation of the breastbone.
Consistent application of this negative pressure encourages chest wall elasticity and promotes bone remodeling. Continuous outward traction on the sternum and ribs reshapes connecting cartilages, guiding the chest into a more natural, outward position. Over many months, this sustained stress can lead to permanent correction as bone and cartilage adapt.
Treatment Process and Application
The application of the vacuum bell involves placing the device directly over the deepest part of the chest indentation, ensuring a tight seal against the skin. A pump is then used to gradually remove air, creating suction that lifts the sternum. Once the desired negative pressure is achieved, the pump can be detached, and the tubing plugged to maintain the vacuum, allowing for mobility during treatment.
Treatment duration varies based on factors like age, deformity severity, and individual response, but typically spans from 6 months to 2 years, or even up to 3 years for more moderate cases. Patients often begin with shorter daily sessions, such as 30 minutes twice a day, and gradually increase usage over several weeks to reach a target of 2 hours, twice daily, or even several hours daily, sometimes overnight. Regular medical check-ups, often every three months, are advised to monitor progress, adjust pressure settings, and ensure proper device fit and usage. Consistent daily use is important for favorable outcomes.
Important Considerations for Patients
Patient suitability for vacuum bell therapy depends on several factors, including age and chest wall flexibility. The device is more effective for younger individuals, especially adolescents, whose bones and cartilages are still growing and more pliable. It is recommended for those with mild to moderate pectus excavatum and good chest wall flexibility; best results are seen when the indentation depth is less than 1.5 cm. Patients with certain underlying conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders or specific cardiac issues, may not be suitable candidates; a thorough medical evaluation, including an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, is performed before treatment.
During the initial phase of treatment, patients may experience common, temporary side effects, including skin redness, bruising, or mild discomfort in the application area. These effects subside within a few hours or with adjustments to the suction level. Less common experiences include mild back pain or a tingling sensation in the upper extremities, which resolve by reducing the pressure. Rare complications can occur, so patients should immediately discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience significant pain, severe redness, swelling, or any other concerning symptoms.