For more than 50 years, pectus excavatum has been corrected by major surgical reconstruction through the use of either the Nuss or Ravitch procedures. Both of these procedures require big operations and hospitalization for pain management.
In an effort to make the pectus excavatum operation better for patients and their families, we have developed a novel method to correct the Pectus Excavatum chest wall deformity. With the Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure (3MP), the deformed costal cartilage is gradually reformed by a controlled gradual outward "pull" on the depressed breastbone. This is achieved with only minimal surgery and without the need for painful implanted chest wall struts.
Video: What is the Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure?
Two magnets, one inside the chest and the other outside the chest, are used to create a magnetic force field which applies a controlled sustained force. The goal is to promote the rib cartilage to move to a more normal position. This results in a more gradual correction of the chest wall over a period of months using nominal force-this is the same principle used in moving teeth with orthodontic braces.
- Advantages of the Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure
- How the magnets work
- Safety of the procedure
- Further information
- Magnetic Mini-Mover Trial Study
- Trial Study FAQ
Advantages of the Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure
Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure (3MP) |
Ravitch and Nuss Procedures |
| Minimally invasive outpatient operation, and the patient can go home that day. | The Ravitch procedure is a large invasive operation perfomed through an incision on the front of the chest. The Nuss procedure is performed through two smaller incisions on the side of the chest. Both require a 3-7 day hospital stay for pain management. |
| Immediate return to normal activity after surgery with no physical activity restrictions. | Physical activity is restricted for several weeks to months. |
| Minimal pain and discomfort during gradual correction | Requires hospitalization for pain management immediately after surgery; pain and discomfort can last for weeks to months. |
| Chest wall appearance gradually changes until finally corrected. | Quick alteration of chest wall appearance |
| Ability to "touch up" correction if needed later by reusing the external magnatract device. | Corrections require additional surgery. |
| Capacity to set the amount of "pull" by adjusting the magnet in the external magnatract device. | N/A |
| Monitor compliance in wearing the external magnatract device with a built-in pressure recorder. | N/A |
How the magnets work
To achieve the gradual reformation of the chest wall, we use two magnets. The internal titanium-encased magnet, called the magnimplant, is surgically attached to the sternum (breastbone) and can be felt under the skin. The second external magnet, called the magnatract, is suspended in a lightweight device like a chest protector. The attraction between the two magnets creates a steady force pulling the depressed sternum outward.
The surgery to implant the magnimplant is a brief outpatient operation and the child goes home the same day. Once the small incision is healed, the child begins wearing the outside brace containing the external magnet. The device is small and light enough to be worn comfortably under a t-shirt or normal school clothes. It is held in place by the force field between the two magnets. The external magnet allows individual adjustment in small increments of the distance (and, thus, force) applied to the sternum.
Video: What can I expect the day of the surgery?
Video: How is the surgery performed?
Video: How will I feel when I go home?
Safety of the device
After two years of careful review, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved our device and procedure for a trial. FDA approval of our trial study required that the device and procedure pass several rigorous safety considerations. The internal magnets are laser-welded in titanium cases that guarantee their biocompatibility and safety for the child.
The static magnetic field within the body has no measureable effect on the heart or other parts of the body. Studies have demonstrated that long-term exposure to magnetic fields does not cause ill effects.
However, like any procedure or device, there are risks. For example, there is the risk of having an implanted magnet setting off metal detectors at the airport, attracting metal objects, or affecting someone else's implanted device (like a pacemaker). These risks are minimized by careful education of the patient and their family.
Video: Can I be hurt by the magnet inside me?
Video: Why can't I have an MRI with the magnet inside me?"
Video: Can the magnet damage anything around me?
Further Information
If you would like to read more on the Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure, you can download our article from the Journal of Pediatric Surgery: Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure for pectus excavatum [pdf]
Magnetic Mini-Mover Study Trial
Enrollment in our study trial has been met and the study trial is now closed to new patients.
You can find more information on our Magnetic Mini-Mover Trial Study and Magnetic Mini-Mover Trial Study FAQ page.