An observational study in Pectus Excavatum, sponsored by Erik de Loos. Completed at 1 site in Netherlands. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-27.
Sponsored by Erik de Loos · Observational
Pectus excavatum (funnel chest) is the most common congenital anterior thoracic wall deformity. It can be associated not only with cosmetic concerns but also with psychosocial and limiting somatic complaints. Patients with this condition are often treated surgically using the Nuss bar procedure, in which a metal bar is placed behind the sternum to effectively "pop out" the funnel chest. This bar typically remains in place for 2-3 years.
To analyze how the thoracic wall changes after removal of the Nuss bar, we aim to capture three-dimensional (3D) images at four different time points: just before removal, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months post-removal. When significant changes over time are detected, we aim to identify factors that may predict retraction or recurrence. Based on these predictive factors, individualized decision-making regarding the timing of Nuss bar removal can be optimized to minimize the risk of retraction or recurrence.
79 studies on the registry are indexed under Funnel Chest; 10 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 69 is close to the median of 68 across 32 observational studies indexed under Funnel Chest.
Browse Funnel Chest studies →Erik de Loos is the lead sponsor of 3 studies on the registry; 1 is open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Patients with pectus excavatum who are visit our outpatient clinic and are scheduled for the removal of their Nuss bar.
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Exclusion Criteria:
External Haller index
Time frame: just before removal, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months post-removal.
Plan to share: No
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Ran from Sep 2020 to primary completion in Jan 2025, 51 months.
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This study is completed, as verified in Mar 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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