Chest Wall Program

Pectus excavatum, also known as ‘sunken’ or ‘funnel’ chest, produces a caved-in chest or breastbone.

Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity that’s present from birth which affects an estimated one in 400 babies.

It is three to five times more common in males than females.

Pectus excavatum tends to become more pronounced during the growth spurt before and during puberty.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, palpitations (fast heartbeat), or pain can arise. Patients can also be affected by poor body image, which impacts social and emotional development.

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s uses the minimally invasive Nuss procedure to correct pectus excavatum and cryotherapy to manage pain.

Our team also offers alternatives like physical therapy or the vacuum bell for patients who do not require surgery.

Pectus carinatum, also called pigeon chest, is a deformity of the breastbone and ribs that causes the chest to stick out.

This condition can be present at birth and can run in families, but the cause is unknown.

Some children with pectus carinatum suffer from chest pain, have shortness of breath, or exercise intolerance.

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s offers a noninvasive bracing therapy to correct chest protrusion.

Surgical correction is also available and involves removing ribs to reshape the sternum.

At WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, we will tailor a treatment to your child’s needs.

Our chest wall team with a dedicated nurse practitioner and staff surgeon will discuss all treatment options and guide you through the treatment process.