Novel techniques and future developments in minimally invasive pectus repair.

After the paradigm shift in the treatment of excavated deformities caused by the introduction of the Nuss technique in 1998, several innovative technical modifications and new treatment modalities have radically changed the surgical approach of pectus excavatum in the last couple of years. These new trends attain different topics. On one hand, the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing and implant customization surge as a possibility for a wider audience as 3D printers become available with lower costs. They provide the surgeon with new elements that enable precise planning, simulation, and customized prostheses amidst a tendency to abandon standardization and incorporate personalized medicine. Another topic comprises mandatory sternal elevation, in the continuous search for safety first always. Complete thoracic remodeling as a goal of repair instead of addressing only focal depressions, leaving the upper chest or focal protrusions unresolved. Finally, although the current surgical approach has evolved significantly, many groups still use lateral stabilizers or direct implant fixation with sutures or wires to the ribs. These systems continue to prove unreliable in preventing implant displacement. Fortunately, the bridge technique, described in this review, has come to address this sometimes fatal issue with encouraging results. We provide an updated overview of the latest developments regarding these concepts, related to the current state-of-the-art of the treatment of pectus excavatum.

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. RESULTS: We included 43 patients with PEX who underwent 6MWT. The mean age was 17.8 ± 6.7 years. The mean maximum distance walked was significantly lower than the predicted distance (600.8 ± 67.6 metres vs. 729.8 ± 67.5 metres, p < 0.0001). Using the Enright reference equation including an older reference population, the mean negative difference was higher (PEX patients walked 190.4 ± 78.4 metres less than predicted, p < 0.0001). We also applied the Li et al. reference equation accounting for sex among other variables, detecting a decreased walked distance compared to the gender-adjusted predicted distance (PEX patients walked a mean 222.4 ± 87.4 metres less than predicted, p < 0.0001). Using the Ulrich et al. equation, PEX patients walked a mean 114.2 ± 85.1 metres less than predicted (p < 0.0001). Although of uncertain clinical relevance, there was a significant decrease in the mean oxygen saturation after exercise (baseline 97.4 ± 1.2%, vs. final 96.4 ± 2.1%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified a significant reduction in the maximum walked distance among patients with PEX compared to the predicted distance, thus potentially emerging as an unsophisticated means to evaluate and quantify functional exercise capacity.

Sternal cleft: new options for reconstruction.

Sternal cleft (SC) is a rare congenital affection caused by the absence of sternal bar union. Diagnosis is generally made after birth due to paradoxical midline movement, although it can be made prenatally by ultrasonography. A computerized tomography scan (CT scan) after birth is generally used to confirm the diagnosis, assess other intrathoracic conditions, classify the SC, and plan for surgery. SC can be classified as complete or incomplete. A complete SC has a full gap between sternal bars. An incomplete SC is subdivided into superior or inferior, related to the point of bone fusion between the sternal bars. The goal of surgical treatment is to protect mediastinal structures. Many authors advocate the repair in newborn patients, although it can be performed in older patients. The main argument in its favor is the chest's flexibility, with a reduced risk of compression of the mediastinal structures. There are several cases of series and distinct surgical techniques in the literature. Some authors have suggested the use of autologous tissue, prosthetic material such as mesh, or titanium plates and screws. Although difficulties are often encountered in surgical access, they have not been discussed. Therefore, we are promoting modifications to the technique in response to this. The purpose is to show innovations, and how to deal with adversity during the procedure.

Randomized comparison of oblique and perpendicular stabilizers for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

OBJECTIVES: Bar dislocation is one of the most feared complications of the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. METHODS: Prospective randomized parallel-group clinical trial intending to assess whether oblique stabilizers can reduce bar displacement in comparison with regular stabilizers used in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Additionally, we evaluated pain, quality of life and other postoperative complications. Participants were randomly assigned to surgery with perpendicular (n = 16) or oblique stabilizers (n = 14) between October 2017 and September 2018 and followed for 3 years. Bar displacements were evaluated with the bar displacement index. Pain scores were evaluated through visual analogue scale and quality of life through the Pectus Excavatum Evaluation Questionnaire. RESULTS: Control group average displacement index was 17.7 (±26.7) and intervention group average displacement index was 8.2 (±10.9). There was 1 reoperation in each group that required correction with 2 bars. Bar displacement was similar among groups (P = 0.12). No other complications were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference on pain score. There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative composite scores of the participants' body image domain and psycho-social aspects in both groups. The difference between the pre- and postoperative participants' perception of physical difficulties was greater and statistically significant in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical difference in the use of perpendicular or oblique stabilizers, but the availability of different models of stabilizers during the study suggested that this can be advantageous. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03087734.

Ectopia cordis: prenatal diagnosis, perinatal outcomes, and postnatal follow-up of an international multicenter cohort case series.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze prenatal diagnosis, perinatal outcomes, and postnatal follow-up in fetuses with ectopia cordis (EC). METHODS: This retrospective analysis accessed 31 patients with EC who were either diagnosed or referred to a tertiary Fetal Medicine centers for EC diagnosis in Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Poland. We analyzed prenatal diagnosis, perinatal outcomes, and follow-up in these patients. RESULTS: Our study included a cohort of 31 fetuses with EC, 4 and 27 of whom had partial and complete protrusion of the heart through a ventral defect in the thoracoabdominal wall, respectively. EC was diagnosed by fetal echocardiography at a mean gestational age of 20.3 ± 8.6 weeks (range, 8-35 weeks). Of the four cases, in which the karyotype was performed, all of them had a normal result (1 - 46,XX and 3 - 46,XY). Five patients showed conotruncal abnormalities and six ventricular septal defects. Termination of pregnancy (TOP) was performed in 15 cases (48%) and seven pregnant women had spontaneous fetal demise (22.5%). Of the seven fetuses that were born alive, four of them died, and three infants underwent surgery. Among these three infants, all of them survived, one was 5 months, 13 years old and 29 years old at the time of study completion. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopia cordis is associated with high mortality rates and intracardiac/extra-cardiac defects. Ventricular septal defects and conotruncal anomalies were the more common intracardiac defects associated with EC. However, in this cohort of fetuses with EC the incidence of PC was lower than reported in the literature.

Clinical experience of thoracoplasty with absorbable rib substitutes.

PURPOSE: Malignant chest wall tumors are rare in pediatrics. They require multimodal oncological treatment and local surgical control. Resections are extensive; therefore, thoracoplasty should be planned to protect intrathoracic organs, prevent herniation, future deformities, preserve ventilatory dynamics, and enable radiotherapy. METHODS: We present a case series of children with malignant chest wall tumors and our surgical experience with thoracoplasty using absorbable rib substitutes (BioBridge®), after local surgical control. BioBridge® is a copolymer made of a polylactide acid blend (70% L-lactic acid y 30% DL-lactide). RESULTS: In 2 years, we had three patients with malignant chest wall tumors. Resection margins were negative, without recurrence at follow-up. We achieved good cosmetic and functional results, and no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Alternative reconstruction techniques such as absorbable rib substitutes provide protection, guarantee a flexible chest wall, and do not interfere with adjuvant radiotherapy. Currently, there are no management protocols in thoracoplasty. This option represents an excellent alternative for patients with chest wall tumors. Knowledge of different approaches and reconstructive principles is essential to offer children the best onco-surgical option.

Epirubicin, cisplatin plus ifosfamide versus standard chemotherapeutic regimens for advanced/unresectable primary thoracic sarcomas.

PURPOSE: Thoracic sarcomas are rare malignancies, with limited data for unresectable/advanced scenarios. Our goal is to provide insights of a three-drug chemotherapy regimen improving patient survival compared to standard regimens. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of patients diagnosed with unresectable/advanced primary thoracic sarcoma divided between primary pulmonary sarcomas (PPS) and chest wall sarcomas (CWS) comparing chemotherapeutical regimens efficacy. Not true soft tissue sarcomas (STS) for PPS were excluded from the analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis performed via Cox-regression model. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) analysis via Kaplan-Meier with hazard ratio (HR) obtained via Mantel-Haenszel or log rank. RESULTS: 157 total cases were included, from which 50 cases were PPS and 107 cases CWS. For PPS, 4 cases were excluded from the analysis as they were not true STS. The most common histology was undifferentiated sarcomas, 63% of cases were treated with E/C/I and 37% with another regimen. The E/C/I regimen demonstrated a benefit for both OS (p = 0.020) and PFS (p = 0.010) when compared to any other regimen as well as when compared to non-platinum regimens (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001). Regarding CWS, the most common histology was synovial and undifferentiated sarcomas, 55.1% were treated with E/C/I and 44.9% treated with another regimen. The E/C/I regimen did not demonstrate a benefit for OS or PFS compared to any other regimen, neither when compared to other non-platinum regimens. However, a benefit was observed in favor of E/C/I when compared to other platinum regimens in both OS (p = 0.049) and PFS (0.015). Both analyses for PPS and CWS demonstrated a benefit in favor of cisplatin therapies compared to carboplatin in both OS and PFS. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that platinum therapy alone does not work, and that cisplatin must be the agent of choice and it's used in combination could increase treatment response. The E/C/I regimen demonstrated a in PPS but not for CWS, this is due do their rarity of PPS and that no standard treatment is established yet. The regimen proposed here could represent a possible new standard of treatment for PPS as long as it is validated in a prospective study.

Desmoid tumour of the chest wall in paediatric post-operatory of heart transplant.

We will report a case of a desmoid tumour (DT), which developed at the surgical site of the pacemaker after a late childhood heart transplant. Patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy followed up in the paediatric cardiology service. It evolved with the dissociation of ventricular rhythm caused by severe heart failure, which led to the implantation of a cardiac resynchronization device prior to heart transplantation. The progression to end-stage heart disease culminated in a heart transplant at 12 years old. One year after the transplant, at the age of 13 years, he presented a progressively growing mass on the generator site of the resynchronization device. The initial decision was to remove the device. During the removal surgery, there was no haematoma or fluid collection. However, there was a progression of the lesion. The lesion was biopsied with the anatomopathological diagnosis of a DT. Resection surgery happened 4 months after the start of the mass growth. At that time, the tumour reached 20 cm in diameter. The lesion infiltrated the pectoralis major muscle and this muscle was resected partially en bloc with the lesion. The defect had primary closure. The patient evolved without postoperative complications and was discharged on the 14th postoperative day. The surgical specimen came with negative circumferential margins. However, the deep margin was microscopically positive. Due to deep involvement, the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Currently, the patient is under clinical follow-up and has no evidence of tumour recurrence. DT is a rare tumour, with unpredictable courses. Surgery can be considered in the progression of lesions. Treatment is justified by long survival after a heart transplant and in DT patients. DT is a differential diagnosis to be considered in progressive growth lesions.

Pectus excavatum ­ Correção cirúrgica utilizando tala externa de poliuretano fabricada com tecnologia de impressão 3D / Pectus excavatum ­ Surgical correction, using polyurethane external splint made with 3D printing technology

Objetivou-se relatar o emprego de uma tala externa confeccionada com material de poliuretano e cobertura interna de neopreme na reparação cirúrgica do pectus excavatum em um felino jovem. O felino apresentava deformidade anatômica congênita na região do externo e sinais clínicos respiratórios. Imagens avançadas de tomografia foram utilizadas para moldar a tala impressa com tecnologia tridimensional. Esta alternativa possibilitou melhor planejamento cirúrgico e, com isso, conforto para o paciente, além da qualidade própria do material de poliuretano que é levemente maleável, o que permitiu melhor moldagem e expansão torácica durante a respiração. A tala se provou resistente o suficiente para suportar a tração ocasionada pelos fios de sutura e possibilitou o reposicionamento adequado do osso esterno ao mesmo tempo que se mostrou confortável e acarretou mínimas lesões ao paciente.

The aim of this paper was to report the use of an external splint made of polyurethane material and internal neopreme covering in the surgical repair of a pectus excavatum in a young feline. The feline exhibited a congenital anatomical deformity in the external region and clinical respiratory signs. Advanced CT images were used to shape the 3D-printed splint. This alternative allowed better surgical planning and, therefore, comfort for the patient, this because to the quality of the polyurethane material, which is slightly malleable, and allowed for better molding and chest expansion during breathing. The splint proved to be strong enough to withstand the traction caused by the suture threads and allowed the proper repositioning of the sternum, at the same time it was comfortable and caused minimal injuries to the patient.

Management of thoracoepigastric flap necrosis in patients with breast cancer.

Thoracoepigastric flap is rarely used for reconstruction of the large chest wall defects due to potential for necrosis and delayed wound healing. This article presents three patients with breast cancer, who underwent mastectomy and chest wall reconstruction with thoracoepigastric flap and subsequently developed distal flap necrosis. The negative pressure wound therapy may eliminate the need for additional graft and/or flap surgery in patients with large necrosis size.

El colgajo toracoepigástrico rara vez se utiliza para la reconstrucción de grandes defectos de la pared torácica debido al potencial de necrosis y al retraso en la cicatrización de la herida. En este artículo se presentan tres pacientes con cáncer de mama, que fueron sometidas a mastectomía y reconstrucción de la pared torácica con colgajo toracoepigástrico y posteriormente desarrollaron necrosis del colgajo distal. La terapia de presión negativa para heridas puede eliminar la necesidad de cirugía adicional de injerto y/o colgajo en pacientes con necrosis de gran tamaño.

STRATOS Titanium Rib Bridge for Chest Wall Reconstruction after Infantile Fibrosarcoma Resection: A Case Report.

Resection and reconstruction of the chest wall for the radical surgical treatment of malignant soft tissue tumors are currently considered a substantial challenge for thoracic surgeons. We present an unusual case of infantile fibrosarcoma with tropomyosin 3-neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1 fusion in a 13-year-old patient. The surgical treatment consisted of radical resection of the right posterior chest wall and reconstruction with the use of the STRATOS (Strasbourg Thoracic Osteosynthesis System) titanium rib bridge system. The patient had a favorable postoperative course and received respiratory-ventilatory rehabilitation, adjuvant therapy with chemotherapeutic agents, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Reconstrução com retalho parcial de músculo peitoral maior, após complicação de osteossíntese de fratura de clavícula / Reconstruction with a partial flap of the pectoralis major muscle, after complication of osteosynthesis of clavicle fracture

Introdução: O peitoral maior é um músculo que recobre a porção superior da parede torácica anterior e é a primeira opção para reconstrução da parede torácica e fins estéticos. Relato de Caso: Paciente masculino de 20 anos, apresentando deiscência de ferida operatória, recidivante por três vezes consecutivas, com exposição de placa de osteossíntese de clavícula esquerda. Realizado reconstrução com o músculo peitoral maior para cobertura de placa. Conclusão: Este retalho mostrou excelente opção para cobertura de exposição de material de síntese após múltiplas deiscências de ferida operatória. A reconstrução foi efetiva, sem complicações e resultado estético satisfatório.

Introduction: The pectoralis major is a muscle that covers the upper portion of the anterior chest wall and is the first option for reconstruction of the chest wall and aesthetic purposes. Case Report: Male patient, 20 years old, presenting dehiscence of surgical wound, recurrent for three consecutive times, with exposure of the left clavicle osteosynthesis plate. Reconstruction was performed with the pectoralis major muscle to cover the plaque. Conclusion: This flap showed to be an excellent option for covering synthetic material exposure after multiple dehiscences of surgical wounds. The reconstruction was effective, with no complications and a satisfactory aesthetic result.

Surgical correction of recurrent pectus excavatum of an adult patient, case report, and review of literature.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to review the literature on recurrent pectus excavatum (PE) and present our surgical approach to a complex case of recurrent PE in an adult patient at a Mexican Hospital. METHODS: We present the case of an adult patient with severe and symptomatic PE, with history of a failed Nuss procedure 1 year previous our intervention, which consisted of a combination of both classic techniques, by performing an osteochondrectomy of affected cartilages and placing a titanium bar substernal and stabilizing coastal arches with secondary osteosynthesis system (Stratos ™ system, medXpert, Germany). RESULTS: Adequate correction of thoracic silhouette and both cardiac and respiratory disorders in the 1-year follow-up was achieved as indicated by the improvement of the patient's Haller index. CONCLUSION: Successful surgical correction of pectus excavatum is achieved when the thoracic silhouette is restored, thus improving cardiopulmonary symptoms. As there are many different techniques available, the more minimally invasive ones are reserved for mild cases, but the treatment of complex cases as in our patient requires a combination of multiple techniques and reconstruction materials in order to achieve adequate correction of the thoracic deformity and reduce recurrence rate.

Mark M. Ravitch MD: Surgeon, author, teacher, soldier.

Mark M. Ravitch (1910-1989) was the most prolific surgeon-author of the 20th Century as well as an outstanding clinical surgeon, scholar, historian, and researcher. While today he would not be considered a "pure pediatric surgeon," he was a charter member of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and received the William E. Ladd medal from the Surgical Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Denis Brown Medal from the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons. He contributed to the treatment of benign colon and rectal disease, intussusception, and chest wall deformities. His most enduring contribution was surgical stapling, a technology that he brought from Russia during the Cold War that opened the door to minimally invasive surgery.

Capacidade pulmonar e funcional no pós-operatório de mulheres submetidas à mastectomia: série de casos / Pulmonary and functional capacity in the post-surgery of women submitted to mastectomy: preliminary results

Mulheres submetidas à cirurgia de mastectomia podem apresentar algumas complicações, dentre elas, alterações respiratórias e prejuízo funcional. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cinemática da parede torácica e a capacidade funcional no pós-operatório de pacientes mastectomizadas sem tratamento neoadjuvante e adjuvante associados. Foram avaliadas 4 mulheres no grupo mastectomia (GM) e 4 mulheres no grupo controle (GC). Todas as participantes foram submetidas aos procedimentos de avaliação antropométrica, função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória, cinemática da parede torácica e capacidade funcional. O GM também foi submetido à avaliação de inspeção e palpação torácica. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Foi observado que o GM apresentou menor variação de volume corrente da parede torácica, com delta de variação de 22,03% a menos que o GC, sendo a maior redução de volume corrente evidenciada no compartimento de caixa torácica pulmonar, com redução de 41,57% em relação ao GC. O GM não apresentou alterações de função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória e capacidade funcional, apresentando valores de normalidade nessas avaliações. Portanto, mulheres submetidas ao procedimento cirúrgico de mastectomia, sem tratamento neoadjuvante e adjuvante associados, não apresentaram comprometimento da função pulmonar, da força muscular respiratória e da capacidade funcional, contudo foi verificado redução do volume pulmonar na região do procedimento cirúrgico.

Women submitted to a mastectomy surgery may present some complications, among them, respiratory changes and functional impairment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chest wall kinematics and functional capacity in the postoperative period of mastectomized patients without associated adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment. A total of four (4) women in the mastectomy group (MG) and four (4) in the control group (CG) were evaluated. All participants were submitted to the procedures of anthropometric evaluation, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, chest wall kinematics and functional capacity. Patients in MG were also submitted to an inspection and palpation evaluation of the chest and breasts. Database was analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was observed that the MG presented a smaller variation of tidal volume of the chest wall, with a variation delta of 22.03% less than CG, with the largest reduction in tidal volume evidenced in the pulmonary chest cavity compartment, with a reduction of 41.57% when compared to CG. The MG did not present alterations of pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity, presenting values of normality in these evaluations. Therefore, women submitted to the surgical procedure of mastectomy without associated neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment did not present any impairment of pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity. However, a reduction could be observed in the pulmonary volume in the region of the surgical procedure.

Thoracoabdominal motion in newborns: Reliability between two interactive computing environments.

BACKGROUND: Quantifying the chest wall is useful in documenting thoracoabdominal synchrony during the neonatal period. Subjective measures are often used rather than gold-standard methods due to their practicality in clinical practice. The aim of the present study is to compare the reliability between a newly proposed method (video analysis in MATLAB) and image analysis using AutoCad tools, both applied to assess thoracoabdominal motion in newborns (NBs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study of full-term NBs. A digital camera was used to film thoracoabdominal motion for 2 minutes in the supine position, with movements measured by the two aforementioned methodologies. RESULTS: A total of 139 images were used, showing agreement between AutoCAD and MATLAB (BIAS = -1.68; CI = -6.59:3.22, Bland-Altman plot). CONCLUSION: The programs were interchangeable and the routine developed in MATLAB was simpler and faster, allowing dynamic analysis and suggesting its clinical utility in quantifying respiratory motion in NBs.

Pectus excavatum, manejo mínimamente invasivo con técnica de Nuss: experiencia Instituto Nacional del Tórax / Pectus excavatum, minimally invasive management with Nuss technique

Resumen Objetivo Comunicar la experiencia en el tratamiento de pectus excavatum en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo con seguimiento. Se recolectaron datos de las variables de interés, mediante la revisión de fichas clínicas. Se incluyeron pacientes operados entre marzo de 2007 y abril de 2018. Resultados Se incluyeron 86 pacientes operados con técnica mínimamente invasiva en el período descrito. De ellos, 74 pacientes de sexo masculino. El promedio de edad al momento de la cirugía fue de 17,8 años. El principal motivo de consulta fue por desmedro estético que correspondió al 41,8% de los pacientes. Salvo en 1 paciente, en todo el resto se ocupó una sola barra. En nuestra serie hubo 12 pacientes que presentaron alguna complicación operatoria y 1 paciente fallecido. Hasta el cierre del seguimiento se retiraron 61 barras, 2 de ellas previo al período estipulado de tratamiento, por morbilidad. Hay 20 barras in situ y 4 pacientes de los cuales no se tiene registro por abandono de controles. Discusión El pectus excavatum es la más frecuente de las deformidades de la pared torácica, es 4 a 6 veces más frecuente en hombres que en mujeres. En general los pacientes son asintomáticos, aunque algunos pueden presentar síntomas cardiopulmonares. La reparación con cirugía mínimamente invasiva con técnica de Nuss aparece hoy en día como el gold standard de manejo. Conclusión El manejo de los pacientes con pectus excavatum en nuestra Institución se asemeja a lo reportado en la literatura internacional. Nuestros esfuerzos deben apuntar a disminuir la morbimortalidad asociada.

Aim To communicate the experience in the treatment of pectus excavatum in the National Institute of Thorax. Materials and Method: Descriptive study with follow-up. Data of variables of interest were collected through the review of clinical records. Patients operated between March 2007 and April 2018 were included. Results 86 patients operated with the Nuss technique were included in the period described. Of them, 74 male patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 17.8 years. The main reason for consultation was due to cosmetic detriment that corresponded to 41.8% of the patients. Except in 1 patient, in all the rest a single bar was occupied. In our series, there were 12 patients who presented some operative complication and 1 patient died. Up to the end of the follow-up, 61 bars were removed, 2 of them in non-scheduled surgery. There are 20 bars in situ and 4 patients of which there is no registration due to abandonment of controls. Discussion Pectus excavatum is the most frequent of the deformities of the chest wall, it is 4 to 6 times more frequent in men than in women. In general, patients are asymptomatic, although some may have cardiopulmonary symptoms. The repair with minimally invasive surgery with Nuss technique appears today as the goldstandard of management. Conclusion The management of patients with pectus excavatum in our Institution is similar to that reported in the international literature. Our efforts should aim to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Impact of pectus excavatum on cardiac morphology and function according to the site of maximum compression: effect of physical exertion and respiratory cycle.

AIMS: Previous studies have demonstrated diverse cardiac manifestations in patients with pectus excavatum (PEX), although mostly addressing morphological or physiological impact as separate findings. Using multimodality imaging, we evaluated the impact of PEX on cardiac morphology and function according to the site of maximum compression, and the effect of exertion and breathing. METHODS AND RESULTS: All patients underwent chest computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and stress echocardiography (echo) in order to establish surgical candidacy. We evaluated diastolic function and trans-tricuspid gradient during stress (echo); and systolic function and respiratory-related septal wall motion abnormalities (CMR). Patients were classified according to the site of cardiac compression as type 0 (without cardiac compression); type 1 (right ventricle); and type 2 [right ventricle and atrioventricular (AV) groove]. Fifty-nine patients underwent multimodality imaging, with a mean age of 19.5 ± 5.9 years. Compared with a sex and age matched control group, peak exercise capacity was lower in patients with PEX (8.4 ± 2.0 METs vs. 15.1 ± 4.6 METs, P < 0.0001). At stress, significant differences were found between groups regarding left ventricular E/A (P = 0.004) and e/a ratio (P = 0.005), right ventricular E/A ratio (P = 0.03), and trans-tricuspid gradient (P = 0.001). At CMR, only 9 (15%) patients with PEX had normal septal motion, whereas 17 (29%) had septal flattening during inspiration. Septal motion abnormalities were significantly related to the cardiac compression classification (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that patients with PEX, particularly those with compression affecting the right ventricle and AV groove, manifest diverse cardiac abnormalities that are mostly related to exertion, inspiration, and diastolic function.

Development and evaluation of physical properties of a low-cost handheld device for airway clearance therapy / Desenvolvimento e avaliação das propriedades físicas de um dispositivo portátil de baixo custo para higiene brônquica / Desarrollo y evaluación de propiedades físicas de un dispositivo portátil de bajo costo para la higiene bronquial

ABSTRACT Several respiratory diseases are characterized by hypersecretion, requiring airway clearance therapy (ACT). Oral high-frequency oscillation (OHFO) devices are effective to enable daily ACT; however, they are still too expensive to become available for low-income patients. We sought to develop a low-cost device (OHFO-LC) and compare its physical properties with those OHFO commercially available (Shaker and Flutter). The OHFO-LC was developed from polyvinyl chloride material and one stainless steel sphere. Pressures and frequencies were measured at flows of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 15L/min. Pressures at the mouthpieces were measured by a transducer connected to a microcomputer. The oscillation frequencies were obtained from the graph of the pressure. The frequencies and pressures were compared among groups using one-way Anova and Tukey's post hoc tests, p≤0.05. There were no differences among the frequencies of the three devices in all tested flows. The OHFO-LC device showed a higher positive expiratory pressure compared with the Shaker at all tested flows (4 L/min: 4.7±1.2 vs. 1.0±0.2 cmH2O; 6 L/min: 8.6±1.5 vs. 3.5±0.5 cmH2O; 8 L/min: 10.8±1.6 vs. 5.4±0.2 cmH2O; 10 L/min: 13.5±1.2 vs. 7.7±0.4 cmH2O; 15 L/min: 14.3±1.1 vs. 7.8±0.2 cmH2O; OHFO-LC vs. Shaker; p≤0.05) and at 10 and 15 L/min compared with Flutter (10 L/min: 13.5±1.2 vs. 7.5±1.2 cmH2O; 15 L/min: 14.3±1.1 vs. 8.2±1.2 cmH2O; OHFO-LC vs. Flutter, p≤0.05). The cost of the OHFO-LC device was much lower than both the Shaker and the Flutter. Our results showed that the OHFO-LC had physical properties with similar frequencies but higher pressures than other OHFO devices that are commercially available. Future studies are necessary to evaluate its clinical efficacy.

RESUMO Diversas doenças respiratórias são caracterizadas por hipersecreção com necessidade de higiene brônquica (HB). Osciladores orais de alta frequência (OOAF) são dispositivos que promovem HB diária; entretanto, seu custo pode ser inviável para aquisição por pacientes com baixa renda. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: desenvolver um OOAF de baixo custo (OOAF-BC) e comparar suas propriedades físicas com as dos disponíveis comercialmente (Shaker e Flutter). O OOAF-BC foi desenvolvido com material de polivinil clorido e uma esfera de aço inoxidável. As pressões e frequências foram mensuradas nos fluxos de 4, 6, 8, 10 e 15 L/min. As pressões nos bocais foram medidas por um transdutor conectado ao computador. As frequências de oscilação foram derivadas do gráfico de pressão. A comparação dos dispositivos foi feita por Anova com post hoc de Tukey, p≤0.05. Não houve diferença entre as frequências dos três dispositivos em todos os fluxos testados. O OOAF-BC apresentou pressão mais alta comparado ao Shaker em todos os fluxos testados (4 L/min: 4,7±1,2 vs. 1,0±0,2 cmH2O; 6 L/min: 8,6±1,5 vs. 3,5±0,5 cmH2O; 8 L/min: 10,8±1,6 vs. 5,4±0.2 cmH2O; 10 L/min: 13,5±1,2 vs. 7,7±0.4 cmH2O; 15 L/min: 14,3±1,1 vs. 7,8±0,2 cmH2O; OOAF-BC vs. Shaker; p≤0.05) e nos fluxos de 10 e 15 L/min comparado ao Flutter (10 L/min: 13,5±1,2 vs. 7,5±1,2 cmH2O; 15 L/min: 14,3±1,1 vs. 8,2±1,2 cmH2O; OOAF-BC vs. Flutter, p≤0.05). O custo do OOAF-BC foi pelo menos seis vezes menor. O OOAF-BC apresentou frequências similares e pressões mais altas que os outros OOAF comercialmente disponíveis. Estudos futuros são necessários para avaliar sua eficácia clínica.

RESUMEN Varias enfermedades respiratorias se caracterizan por hipersecreción, que requiere higiene bronquial (HB). Los osciladores orales de alta frecuencia (OOAF) son dispositivos que promueven la HB diaria; sin embargo, su costo puede no ser factible para la adquisición por parte de pacientes con bajos ingresos. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron desarrollar un OOAF de bajo costo (OOAF-BC) y comparar sus propiedades físicas con las de los disponibles comercialmente (Shaker y Flutter). El OOAF-BC se desarrolló con material de polivinilo clorado y una bola de acero inoxidable. Las presiones y frecuencias se midieron en flujos de 4, 6, 8, 10 y 15 L/min. Las presiones de la boquilla se midieron mediante un transductor conectado a la computadora. Las frecuencias de oscilación se derivaron del gráfico de presión. Se compararon los dispositivos con la utilización de Anova con post hoc de Tukey, p≤0,05. No hubo diferencias entre las frecuencias de los tres dispositivos en todos los flujos probados. El OOAF-BC mostró una presión más alta en comparación con Shaker en todos los flujos probados (4 L/min: 4,7±1,2 vs. 1,0±0,2 cmH2O; 6 L/min: 8,6±1,5 vs. 3,5±0,5 cmH2O; 8 L/min: 10,8±1,6 vs. 5,4±0,2 cmH2O; 10 L/min: 13,5±1,2 vs. 7,7±0,4 cmH2O; 15 L/min: 14,3±1,1 vs. 7,8±0,2 cmH2O; OOAF-BC vs. Shaker; p≤0,05) y con flujos de 10 y 15 L/min en comparación con Flutter (10 L/min: 13,5±1,2 vs. 7,5±1,2 cmH2O; 15 L/min: 14,3±1,1 vs. 8,2±1,2 cmH2O; OOAF-BC vs. Flutter, p≤0,05). El costo de OOAF-BC fue al menos seis veces menor. El OOAF-BC mostró frecuencias similares y presiones más altas que otros OOAF disponibles comercialmente. Se necesitan estudios futuros para evaluar su eficacia clínica.

Winged Ribs: An Underestimated Problem That May Compromise Breast Augmentation Outcomes.

Chest wall shape is an important aspect to consider when planning a breast augmentation. Minor chest wall deformities are usually underestimated by the patient and surgeon and may compromise postoperative outcomes. Lower costal cartilage dysmorphia or winged rib is one of these minor underestimated chest wall deformities characterized by a visible and palpable cartilaginous prominence under the inframammary fold and causes discomfort in patients decreasing the satisfaction with the breast augmentation surgery. For these patients, the author utilized an innovative surgical technique that allows resection of the protruding cartilages and placement of breast implants through the same surgical incision. Six patients with winged ribs underwent breast augmentation and costal cartilage resection via this method and there were no intraoperative or early postoperative complications, and all patients were satisfied with the aesthetical result after 6 months of follow-up. The presented surgical technique has a short learning curve with excellent postoperative results. Cases are presented to demonstrate the improved postoperative chest wall contour combined with breast augmentation outcome.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .