Placement of pectus bar for pectus excavatum (also known as MIRPE or the Nuss procedure)
Summary
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on placement of pectus bar for pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure).
It replaces the previous guidance on minimally invasive placement of pectus bar (IPG3, August 2003).
Description
Pectus excavatum is an abnormality of the chest in which the breastbone sinks inward (sometimes called funnel chest). Problems associated with pectus excavatum are mainly cosmetic, although the condition can impair cardiac and respiratory function. Placement of a pectus bar for pectus excavatum (also known as the Nuss procedure) involves placing one or two steel (pectus) bars under the breastbone with the aim of raising it and correcting the abnormal shape. The bar, which is bent into a curve to fit the patient’s chest, is inserted through small openings in the chest. The bar (or bars) are usually removed within a few years of placement.
OPCS code:
Details
Surgical procedures
Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland
British Association of Paediatric Surgeons
Contact details:
(for general enquiries or comments)
Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA
