Evaluation of a New Model of Metallic Bar and Stabilizer for Use in MIRPE

Introduction Pectus excavatum (PE) is presented as a sunken sternum in the midline and these chest deformities are not uncommon, occurring in approximately 1/1000.

It is commonly accepted that the abnormal growth of condral cartilage results in displacement of the sternum. Most patients and their parents seek medical advice for psychosocial concerns, particularly related to the cosmetic aspects and the consequent aversion to sports or public exposure. Physiological tests are often normal, but both the cardiac index and pulmonary function may be affected.

Surgical treatment of pectus excavatum Nuss broke the paradigm in PE surgery with the publication of their results using a technique called minimally invasive. This technique involves lateral incisions in the chest and the placement of one or two temporary steel bars, which are shaped during surgery, specifically for each patient. These bars are placed in retrosternal position and the sternum is elevated without the need of cartilage resection.

This surgical technique, in addition to the bars and stabilizers, needs a set of instruments that are used in the customization of the bar for each patient and, after three years, the withdrawal of the bar at the end of the treatment.

Another problem refers to the displacement of the metallic bars that are positioned under the sternum and that are held in position by placing stabilizers, one at each lateral end of the bar. These stabilizers, which are perpendicular to the bar, has the function to expand its area of contact with the chest wall in order to prevent it from moving from its position.

In order to increase the stability of the bar, preventing their movement, various modifications have been proposed. The investigators believe that further modification can be introduced. If the stabilizer metal bar has an oblique position relative to the bar (rather than perpendicular as it is currently) it will be perpendicular to the ribs, thus increasing its area of contact with the chest wall, which might bring more stability.

The investigators are also proposing that the new metal bar that is being developed is completely smooth, not having the usual slots that the current model has at the extremities of the bars. The reason for this is to try to prevent bleeding during bars withdrawal after 3 years of use.

Another proposed amendment is a pressure screw incorporated into the stabilizer itself.

Search object The object of research is the development of a new model of metallic bar and stabilizers, as well as dedicated surgical instruments whose purpose is to perform minimally invasive repairs of PE.

Social relevance One of the reasons why the Public Health in Brazil gives no coverage for this type of surgical treatment for patients with PE is the high cost of surgical equipment that is imported. The development of this material in the country, as is being proposed in this project, has high social relevance that may represent savings by avoiding the purchase of imported material and the possibility of making available this type of surgical treatment for patients served by our public health.

Site of the search The research will be performed in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo.