STRATOS™ system for the repair of pectus excavatum.

Abstract

Open techniques represent a valid repair option for severe asymmetric pectus excavatum in adults. The use of metal supports is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence. A wide variety of metal supports have been proposed, with pre-, trans- or retrosternal fixation. A novel open technique using titanium bars fixed to the ribs with clips has been recently introduced (STRATOS™ system) for chest wall reconstruction, rib fracture fixation and chest wall malformation repair. We employed this technique in two adult patients with severe asymmetric pectus excavatum: after sternal mobilization, one bar is passed below the body of the sternum and secured with clips bilaterally to two ribs. In the first case, the results remained excellent 5 years after surgery. In the second case, the initial results were satisfying but the bar ruptured after 30 months: removal of the bars and clips was performed and a subsequent recurrence of the deformity occurred. The experiences reported in literature are still too limited to draw firm conclusions about the use of the STRATOS™ system in pectus excavatum repair, but it seems that the use of two bars may reduce the risk of rupture. At present, we are the only ones who reported long-term results.

• Authors: Alessandro Stefani, Jessica Nesci, Uliano Morandi
• Journal: Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery (Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg) Vol. 17 Issue 6 Pg. 1056-8 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 1569-9285 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24000315 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Equipment Design
• External Fixators
• Female
• Funnel Chest (diagnosis, physiopathology, surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Orthopedic Procedures (instrumentation)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Recovery of Function
• Severity of Illness Index
• Time Factors
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult