What is Vacuum Bell Therapy?
The method, also known as vacuum bell therapy, is often referred to by names such as “vacuum bell therapy” or “vacuum-assisted valve therapy.” This treatment is a non-surgical approach and is used especially in the correction of rib cage deformities (for example, inward collapse of the breastbone such as pectus excavatum).
Vacuum bell therapy is generally applied as follows:
Vacuum Bell Apparatus: A soft silicone bell is placed on the patient’s chest.
Vacuum Creation: This bell is vacuumed by a manual or electric vacuum pump to create negative pressure. The vacuum pulls the collapsed chest area outwards, correcting the deformity.
Duration of Treatment: Vacuum bell treatment is usually applied for a long period of time, several hours a day. The duration of treatment may vary depending on the patient’s age, the severity of the deformity, and the doctor’s recommendations.
Advantages: Correction of deformities such as pectus excavatum without the need for surgical intervention, prevention of deformities from worsening with growth in children and adolescents, and being a less invasive method.
Vacuum bell treatment is especially suitable for children and adolescents because the breastbone and cartilage are more flexible and respond better to vacuum treatment. Regular follow-up and evaluation should be done by the doctor throughout the treatment process.
This treatment may be considered as a non-surgical option for patients experiencing chest wall deformities, but an evaluation by a specialist physician is required to determine whether it is appropriate for each case.
Treatment Process and Stages
- Application Start:
- The initial evaluation is performed to determine the degree of the patient’s deformity and whether they are suitable for vacuum bell treatment. During the application, a special gel is usually applied to the patient’s chest area and then the vacuum bell device is placed.
- Treatment Frequency and Duration:
- The length of treatment usually depends on the patient’s age, the flexibility of the rib cage, and the severity of the deformity. In most patients, treatment is given for several hours a day and can last for several months. Children and adolescents generally have faster results because their rib cages are more flexible.
- Regular Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Regular doctor check-ups are performed throughout the treatment. These check-ups are important for monitoring the response to treatment and adjusting the treatment plan if necessary. In some patients, vacuum bell treatment has been shown to completely eliminate the need for surgical treatment.
- Potential Side Effects:
- During and after treatment, you may experience mild discomfort, skin redness or tenderness. However, these effects are usually mild and temporary. Serious side effects are extremely rare and the treatment is safe to use under the supervision of a physician.
Surgical Alternatives and the Place of Vacuum Bell Therapy
Vacuum bell therapy is used as an alternative to surgery for chest deformities such as pectus excavatum. However, it may not be suitable for every patient. Surgical intervention may be required in severe deformities or in cases where there is no response to vacuum bell therapy.
The most common surgical procedure is the Nuss procedure. This involves straightening the breastbone outward with a metal bar placed under the rib cage. The Nuss procedure is more invasive but usually provides more permanent results. However, the risks and recovery time of surgical procedures must be considered.
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Non-surgical Treatment | The vacuum bell therapy helps correct chest deformities like pectus excavatum without the need for surgical intervention. |
| Low Risk | It carries less risk compared to surgery, with no infections or other surgical complications. |
| Quick Recovery | The recovery process is generally fast, and patients can quickly return to their daily lives. |
| Painless Application | Typically, there is minimal pain or discomfort during the application. |
| Wide Age Range | It can be applied to both children and adults, with minimal age-related limitations. |
| Personal Use | The vacuum bell device is designed for patients to use independently at home. |
What is Pectus Vacuum?
Pectus Vacuum (Vacuum Bell) is a non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum, a condition in which the chest wall collapses inward. This vacuum device creates negative pressure to gradually pull the chest wall upwards, pulling the sternum outwards.
How Does It Work?
- Device: Vacuum Bell is a silicone cup used with a hand pump.
- Application: The cup is placed on the chest and the air inside is drawn in, creating a vacuum. This vacuum lifts the chest wall.
- Duration of Use: It is usually used for 30 minutes to a few hours a day, depending on the doctor’s recommendations and the severity of the condition.
- Age Group: The most effective results are obtained in young patients where the bones are still relatively flexible.
Advantages
- Non-Surgical Method: It offers a treatment option that does not require surgery, which may be attractive to those who want to avoid invasive procedures.
- Gradual Improvement: With regular use, the chest wall can be permanently shaped over time.
- Painless: It is generally considered a painless method, although some discomfort may be felt initially as the breast adapts.
Limitations
- Time Consuming: Requires consistent use over a long period of time to achieve desired results, sometimes years.
- Not Suitable for All Cases: Severe cases of pectus excavatum may require surgical intervention.
If you are considering this treatment, it is important to speak with a specialist who can provide you with a customized plan based on the severity of your condition.
Pectus Excavatum Vacuum Treatment
Pectus excavatum is a condition in which the breastbone collapses inward, also known as a “funnel chest.” This condition is usually treated with surgery, but nonsurgical options such as vacuum therapy are also available.
Vacuum Therapy:
Vacuum therapy is a non-surgical method used to treat pectus excavatum. In this method, a specially designed vacuum bell device is used. This device creates negative pressure on the chest and tries to pull the breastbone outward. The treatment period can usually last for months and should be applied for certain periods every day.
Effect of Vacuum Therapy:
- Vacuum therapy may be especially effective in cases of mild to moderate pectus excavatum.
- It generally works best in growing children and teenagers because the bones are still flexible and more likely to change shape.
- The treatment process can take a long time and the patient must use the device regularly.
Advantages:
- It does not require surgical intervention, so surgical risks and complications can be avoided.
- There is no recovery time during treatment, meaning the patient can continue with their daily activities.
Disadvantages:
- It may not be effective in every case, especially in cases of advanced pectus excavatum.
- It may require long-term use and results may not be observed immediately.
Conclusion
Vacuum bell treatment is a minimally invasive method that has the potential to treat chest deformities such as pectus excavatum without the need for surgery. Successful results can be achieved especially in young patients and this method offers an effective solution for many patients. The success of the treatment may vary depending on the degree of deformity, age and compliance with the treatment. It is important to make a detailed assessment with a specialist and create a treatment plan before starting the treatment.
Dr. Hasan Ersöz is a doctor who specializes in thoracic surgery. He has served in various health institutions in Turkey and has gained experience in thoracic surgery. Such specialists usually provide treatment for thoracic deformities, lung diseases, chest wall problems and other issues related to thoracic surgery.