21 Apr

An Alternative, Non-Surgical Treatment for Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest)

An Alternative, Non-Surgical Treatment for Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest) An Alternative, Non-Surgical Treatment for Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest)
 
As the condition is becoming increasingly common, more surgeons are now seeing bracing as an effective non-invasive treatment. With continuing clinical expertise and patient feedback, the Steeper ‘Chest Compressor’ was created and is exclusively available in the UK.

Surgery-Free
The Chest Compressor Brace is ultimately a non-surgical and minimally invasive solution for treating Pectus Carinatum. The brace does not leave a scar unlike surgery, and there is no risk of complication or infection. Surgery may also reduce the chest volume, with some established evidence suggesting an effect on the pulmonary systems.

Cost Savings
Surgery and post-surgery care is an expensive cost to the NHS. The cost of overnight stay in an NHS hospital is approximately £250 with a seven-day hospital in-patient stay usually needed - a total of £1750. Factor in the approximate cost of surgery - £10,000 - the overall treatment is in excess of £11,750!

Simple & Accurate
Using a laser scanner to acquire a digitised image of the patient’s chest wall deformity, a 3D model is then milled on which the brace is manufactured. The milled model (or a cast) is used to produce the Chest Compressor at Steeper’s manufacturing facility in Leeds.

The brace was designed by Steeper Clinical Specialist Orthotist Alex Callaghan, who had been using a range of chest braces for many years previously, alongside Steeper Expert Technicians in collaboration with the Thoracic Surgeons at the Leeds General Infirmary. After observing patients' usage of chest braces, Alex developed the Chest Compressor with an anti-rotation system to help improve comfort for the patient.

How does it work?
The brace is made-to-measure so it fits to the patient's chest comfortably and is easy to wear and therefore discreet under clothes. Unlike other braces on the market, only one brace is used throughout the entire treatment program. It is an oval-shaped device with padded chest and back pads, designed to place pressure on the point of protrusion and gradually push the chest back into place. The pressure of the brace is adjusted over a period of time, and the wear-time for the patient is gradually decreased until the chest is at the desired shape.

We have linked a couple of case studies on our patient's who have successfully undergone the Chest Compressor Brace treatment:

Ethan's Case Study     Gemma's Case Study


For more information on the Steeper Chest Compressor Brace, or if you are a clinician interested in product training, please contact us using the contact form below, or view the Chest Compressor Brace webpage:

Steeper Chest Compressor Brace

 
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