Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure (3MP) Treatment for Sunken Chest

Pectus Excavatum (Sunken or funnel chest) is the most common congenital (Present at birth) chest wall deformity, pulls the breastbone inward, making the chest look caved in (concave) or sunken. The condition typically affects four to five ribs on each side of the sternum (Forms the rib cage that protects the heart, lungs and major blood vessels from damage.) Many patients are thin (slim), develop a slouching posture and potbelly. The cause of the deformity has not yet been linked to specific inherit genetic defect. Pectus Excavatum is associated with Marfan (Hereditary condition affects the connective tissue, which holds the body together and provide a framework for growth and development. Most affected is the skeletal system, cardiovascular system, eyes, and skin.), Poland syndromes (Birth defect causes underdevelopment or absence of the chest muscle on one side of the body and webbing of the fingers on the hand on the same side.) and scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine). Sunken chest estimated to occur in one in 300 - 400 births, with male predominance (3:1). The condition is ninety percent diagnosed within the first year of life.

Developing Symptoms and worsening of the appearance predominately occurs in early teenage years. Symptoms related to this condition: Decrease in stamina and endurance during strenuous exercise (67%), frequent respiratory infections (32%), chest pain (8%), and asthma (7%). The condition believed to displace the heart to the left side of the chest and thus restrict movement of the heart and lungs. This reduces blood flow to the heart and prevents the lungs from expanding completely, and imperils the ability to exercise. Many funnel chest patients undermine a negative self -- image and low self -- confidence, especially during those times not wearing a shirt in social activities or participating in sports or swimming. Also, during interpersonal relationships the condition may affect a person's self -- consciousness, and psychological problems or anxiety may increase over a period of time or as the patients gets older. In some cases psychotherapeutic help maybe helpful to provide treatment. In major of cases, when the condition is more noticeable, the patient seeks the medical advise from a pediatric surgeon.

Pectus Carinatum or protrusion of the breast (pigeon breast) is the opposite of sunken chest malformation. The condition is an over growth of the cartilage and forward buckling onto the sternum. During teenage years (growth period) the condition becomes more noticeable, and may develop the same physiological affects as sunken chest.

Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum can be surgically repaired, and undergone for cosmetic reasons. Either type of surgery reshapes the chest. Sunken chest patients are required to wear a brace for a period of 12 - 15 weeks, as the cartilage's reform in the new position (During the surgery, the cartilage is removed and the sternum is held in place with a long metal bar or metal struts. Applying force over long period of time; similar to how an orthodontist moves teeth). Ideal age for the correction of either defect is between 12 - 18 years of age offer best results, including increased ability to participate in normal strenuous activities and athletics. Besides improving a patient's self image. Most medical insurance companies provide coverage, considering either surgical procedure is not only a treatment for a cosmetic defect.

A team of researchers at UCSF Children's Hospital in San Francisco developed a new procedure to treat sunken chest or realign chest cartilage. The magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure (3MP) uses devices that includes two parts: A titanium -- encased magnet (size of a quarter), surgically attached to the child's breastbone and a second magnet embedded in the lightweight plastic brace that the child wears under clothing. The two magnets hold the brace together by their attraction. Dr. Michael Harrison, professor of surgery and pediatrics emeritus at UCSF and lead investigator said: "We need to apply a force gradually remodel the chest wall without piercing the skin." The surgical procedure is done during an outpatient visit with relatively little discomfort. The child wears the brace for three to twelve months, depending on the severity of the deformity. Adjustments can be made to increase or decrease the pull on the breastbone. In February 2007, researchers at UCSF are seeking sunken chest participants and are between eight and fourteen years of age and willing to participate in a twelve month study, regarding this new procedure. The study is funded by a grant from the Office of Orphan Products Development of the FDA. According to U.S. Food and Drug Administration 3MP has been approved and reported too be safe. The internal magnet laser is safely welded in a titanium case. The magnets pose no safety concerns to the heart and other body parts, and long - term exposure to magnetic field is not harmful. Dr. Harrison said: " We have several other applications that are developing in which we plan to reach things or support things or move things using magnets." Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure could lead to breakthrough treatments particularly in orthopedic medicine.