title: STRATOS™ system for the repair of pectus excavatum.
abstract: Open techniques represent a valid repair option for severe asymmetric pectus excavatum in adults. The use of metal supports is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence. A wide variety of metal supports have been proposed, with pre-, trans- or retrosternal fixation. A novel open technique using titanium bars fixed to the ribs with clips has been recently introduced (STRATOS™ system) for chest wall reconstruction, rib fracture fixation and chest wall malformation repair. We employed this technique in two adult patients with severe asymmetric pectus excavatum: after sternal mobilization, one bar is passed below the body of the sternum and secured with clips bilaterally to two ribs. In the first case, the results remained excellent 5 years after surgery. In the second case, the initial results were satisfying but the bar ruptured after 30 months: removal of the bars and clips was performed and a subsequent recurrence of the deformity occurred. The experiences reported in literature are still too limited to draw firm conclusions about the use of the STRATOS™ system in pectus excavatum repair, but it seems that the use of two bars may reduce the risk of rupture. At present, we are the only ones who reported long-term results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stefani
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nesci
authors.forename: Uliano
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Morandi
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Chest wall; Pectus excavatum; Surgery