3D design view of a failed Ravitch Technique on a Pectus Excavatum

Nuss, Ravitch, 3D implants: which technique to choose ?

Author : Pr Jean-Pierre Chavoin, ex-Head of Plastic Surgery Department of Toulouse University Hospital

Orthopedic techniques such as Nuss or Ravitch are complex surgeries aiming to reshape the thorax, and can result in insufficient results(1,2), recurrence(3) of the deformity, or complications(4,5). This is particularly true for patients over 30 years old or cases of asymmetrical Pectus.

In the case of a failure of Nuss or Ravitch technique, the 3D custom-made implant technique is highly recommended to achieve a satisfactory and immediate morphological result, with minimal risks for the patient.

Before/after picture of a Ravitch and Nuss redo on a Pectus Excavatum

Principle of 3D implants revisions

The 3D custom-made implant technique allows to fill the hole in the thorax without touching the rib cage, whether as a primary procedure or to treat another technique failure(6), such as orthopedic techniques (Nuss or Ravitch). If the Nuss or Ravitch bar is still in place, it is preferable to remove it beforehand. The protocol is then similar to a standard Pectus surgery with a 3D custom-made implant:

  • CT scan of the thorax,
  • Design and manufacturing of a 100% personalized implant for each deformity,
  • Surgery to insert the silicone implant under the pectoral muscles,
  • Thoracic bracing for 1 month,
  • Resumption of activity after 15 days and sport after 3 months.

 

Advantages of revisions with 3D implants

Patients who underwent an emergency bar removal(7) or are dissatisfied with the morphological resuls(8) after a Nuss or Ravitch procedure, can benefit from the 3D custom-made implant technique as a secondary procedure.

  • This technique enables a precise and immediate morphological result, regardless of the deformity/sequelae (asymmetry, low Arcuatum shape), patient's age (from 15 years old), or gender,
  • Only one procedure is required, with minimal risks of complications, short surgical and hospitalization time,
  • Postoperative outcomes is simple and minimally painful, with rapid recovery,
  • During the surgery, revising overly visible dystrophic scars can improve the quality of the result.

Implants treatment

 

Contact a surgeon

AnatomikModeling has selected and trained the most well known surgeons for you, to treat Pectus Excavatum or Poland Syndrome using 3D custom-made implant.

Go to the referral suregons map to find the closest to you.

See the map

 

Map with worldwide referral surgeons for implant technique

Results

Pectus treatment with 3D implants technique enables to correct Nuss or Ravitch failure with an immediate result.

Picture of a woman's Nuss redo

Photo of a Pectus Excavatum redoe after Nuss failure

Picture of a man's Ravitch redo

Photo of a Pectus Excavatum redoe after Ravitch failure

More Results

Testimonials

Surgeon

3D implant technique is a modern and accurate technique with a low complication rate and a high level of patient satisfaction. It could be used as a primary surgery but also as a secondary surgery, particularly for Nuss or ravitch redo when the result of those surgeries is not enough.

Dr Claudia Schirmer, plastic surgeon, Hospital Italiano Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Surgeons testimonials

Patient

I have asymmetric Pectus Excavatum. I was told by a specialist in Bordeaux that the Nuss technique seemed to be the best one to go for. The first procedure caused me a lot of suffering and the aesthetic result did not live up to my expectations.

Melissa, 19 years old, Charente-Maritime (France)

Patient testimonials

Sources