How Vacuum Bell Therapy Corrects Pectus Excavatum

Most patients notice the first visible change in chest wall depth within 3 to 4 months of consistent daily use. Clinical studies confirm that 79% of patients achieve a sternal elevation exceeding 1.5 cm by month 3. Significant, lasting correction typically requires 12 to 24 months of therapy. The more consistently you follow the protocol — especially session duration and pressure — the faster progress accumulates.

The therapeutic target is 2 hours per session, twice daily (4 hours total). You build toward this gradually: start with 30 minutes twice daily in Week 1 and add 15 minutes per week. Adaptation takes approximately 5 weeks. Some protocols and advanced users extend sessions to several continuous hours — always within a comfortable pressure range and without inducing pain or significant bruising.

VBT is generally well-tolerated. Skin redness after each session is expected and resolves within 30 minutes — it is not a sign of damage. Mild bruising during the first two weeks is also common as the body adapts. Significant or sharp pain is not expected; if it occurs, reduce the applied pressure and consult your physician. Blistering indicates excessive pressure — reduce by 20 mbar and ensure the skin is completely dry before future sessions.

Vacuum Bell Therapy is effective for patients of all ages. Clinical studies have documented successful treatment in patients aged 3 to 61 years. However, younger patients — particularly those under 11 years — typically achieve the most significant outcomes because their chest wall cartilage remains highly malleable. Adults can still benefit measurably, especially if they have residual chest wall flexibility confirmed by a trial application during a physician consultation.

Once properly trained, the Vacuum Bell can be self-administered at home. However, the first application should always be performed under physician supervision to confirm device fit, correct size selection, appropriate pressure, and the absence of contraindications. Children under 10 should always be supervised by a parent or caregiver. Follow-up clinical checks every 3 months are strongly recommended to monitor progress and adjust pressure as your sternum responds.

Yes — the remodelling of cartilage and bone that occurs during sustained VBT is largely permanent, particularly in younger patients whose skeletal tissue is actively growing. The sternum progressively retains its elevated position between sessions as treatment progresses, and after completing the full protocol, the correction is generally maintained. A maintenance protocol (shorter sessions, reduced frequency) is typically recommended after the active phase to consolidate results.

VBT is contraindicated in patients with skeletal disorders (e.g. osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis), vascular diseases (e.g. Marfan syndrome, aortic aneurysm), coagulopathies (e.g. haemophilia), and certain cardiac conditions. Patients under 3 years of age should not use the device. A standardised physician evaluation — including cardiac screening — is required before initiating therapy. Refer to our complete therapy guide for the full contraindication list.

VBT is most effective for mild to moderate PE (Haller Index below 3.5) with a flexible chest wall. For severe PE, the device may be used as a bridge therapy to improve chest wall flexibility before the Nuss procedure, or as an intraoperative aid during MIRPE to facilitate bar placement. In these cases, VBT is used alongside — not instead of — surgery. Always discuss your Haller Index and clinical picture with a specialist.