PMF

Qui pot utilitzar la campana de buit?

Es recomana per a pacients amb Pectus Excavatum lleu a moderat. És adequat principalment per a nens, però també per a adults si l'objectiu és millorar la flexibilitat del tòrax abans de la reparació quirúrgica, tot i que la idoneïtat hauria de ser avaluada per un especialista en aquestes deformitats.

Pot la campana de buit facilitar el tractament quirúrgic del Pectus Excavatum?

En pacients adults amb tòrax rígid, l'ús de la campana de buit pot ajudar a augmentar la flexibilitat de la seva cavitat toràcica i preparar-los per a una reparació quirúrgica del seu Pectus Excavatum, com la tècnica Pectus Up, que estira l'estèrnum cap a fora sense entrar al tòrax.

Quant de temps trigarà a veure els resultats?

Els resultats varien entre pacients. Alguns poden notar millores en pocs mesos, mentre que per a altres, el tractament pot trigar un any o més, i és possible que no s'observin millores en pacients adults. La coherència i l'adherència al tractament diari i continuat són claus per aconseguir bons resultats.

És dolorós utilitzar la campana de buit?

Inicialment, alguns pacients poden sentir una lleugera pressió o molèsties a causa del buit creat pel dispositiu. Tanmateix, això no hauria de ser dolorós. Si experimenteu un dolor o molèsties importants, heu de deixar d'utilitzar-lo i consultar al vostre metge per ajustar el tractament.

Hi ha efectes secundaris de l'ús de la campana de buit?

Els efectes secundaris comuns inclouen enrogiment de la pell, contusions i molèsties lleus a l'àrea d'aplicació. Aquests efectes generalment disminueixen amb el temps. Si es produeixen efectes secundaris greus o persistents, heu de posar-vos en contacte amb el vostre metge.

Puc utilitzar la campana de buit mentre faig exercici?

No es recomana utilitzar el dispositiu durant activitats físiques intenses o esports. S'ha d'utilitzar en repòs per evitar possibles lesions i garantir la correcta aplicació de l'aparell.

Quant de temps necessito utilitzar la campana de buit?

La durada total del tractament pot variar en funció de la gravetat del Pectus Excavatum i de la resposta del pacient al tractament. El vostre metge us proporcionarà una estimació més precisa basada en el vostre progrés individual.

La campana de buit és segura per als nens?

Sí, la campana de buit es pot utilitzar en nens, però sempre sota supervisió mèdica i amb el consentiment i orientació dels pares. L'avaluació mèdica del pacient és fonamental per garantir que el dispositiu és segur i el més adequat per al nen.

Necessito una recepta per obtenir una campana de buit?

Sí, cal prescripció i avaluació prèvia per part d'un especialista en deformitats toràciques. Això garanteix que el dispositiu és adequat per a la vostra condició específica i que el seu ús es supervisa correctament.

Què he de fer si la campana de buit està danyada?

Si el dispositiu està danyat, us heu de posar en contacte amb el fabricant o amb un distribuïdor autoritzat per obtenir informació sobre reparacions o substitucions. No intenteu reparar el dispositiu pel vostre compte, ja que això podria comprometre la seva eficàcia i seguretat.

Puc dormir amb la campana de buit encesa?

No es recomana utilitzar el dispositiu mentre dorms. La campana de buit està dissenyada per a períodes específics durant el dia en què el pacient està despert i pot controlar la seva aplicació.

Què he de fer si tinc una reacció adversa a l'ús de la campana de buit?

Si experimenteu una reacció adversa, com ara dolor significatiu, inflor, enrogiment intens o qualsevol altre símptoma relacionat, heu de deixar d'utilitzar el dispositiu immediatament i consultar al vostre metge per avaluar-lo i ajustar el tractament.

Són necessàries revisions mèdiques periòdiques durant l'ús de la campana de buit?

Sí, es recomanen revisions periòdiques amb el vostre metge per controlar el progrés i ajustar el tractament segons sigui necessari. Les visites periòdiques ajuden a garantir que el dispositiu funciona correctament i que no hi ha cap complicació.

How exactly does the Vacuum Bell work?

The Vacuum Bell is a silicone cup connected to a hand pump. When placed over the sunken area of the chest and pumped, it creates a mild negative pressure that gently lifts the sternum and the attached costal cartilage. With consistent daily use over months, the chest wall gradually remodels and holds its new, elevated position.

Does the Vacuum Bell reshape bone?

No. The device works mainly on the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, which is semi-flexible and can be moved with relatively little force. This is why treatment is most effective while the chest wall is still growing and flexible.

How do I choose the correct size?

The Vacuum Bell should be wide enough to cover the entire sunken area, with its centre positioned over the deepest point of the Pectus Excavatum. Different sizes exist for children, adolescents and adults, and some models are adapted for female patients. Your specialist will recommend the most suitable size during the initial evaluation.

How do I apply the device correctly?

Place the device on the chest with its centre over the deepest point of the depression, press it gently onto the skin to form a seal, and use the hand pump to remove the air until the chest wall rises. Apply it with a neutral, upright upper-body posture, as this improves results. Your doctor will show you the correct technique at the first fitting.

How much suction should I apply?

Only a mild vacuum is needed. Applying excessive suction does not speed up correction and increases the risk of bruising, fluid accumulation under the skin, or discomfort. The depression should be lifted slowly and progressively over the first weeks of treatment, always following your doctor’s instructions.

The device loses suction. What am I doing wrong?

The most common causes are an incomplete seal due to incorrect positioning, chest hair, or moisture or creams on the skin. Chest hair can prevent a proper seal, so shaving the contact area may be necessary. A correctly functioning device applied to clean, dry, hair-free skin should not lose air.

How do I clean and maintain the Vacuum Bell?

Rinse the device with lukewarm water and mild soap after use and let it air-dry away from direct heat. Do not use alcohol, solvents or abrasive cleaners, as they can degrade the silicone. Inspect the device regularly for cracks or wear, and contact the manufacturer or distributor if any part needs replacing.

How many hours a day should I use the Vacuum Bell?

Most protocols start with around 30 minutes, twice a day, during the first 4–6 weeks so the skin can adapt. The daily wearing time is then increased gradually as tolerated, following your doctor’s plan. Clinical experience shows that longer daily use and consistency are associated with better outcomes.

What happens if I skip a day or take a break?

Occasional short breaks, for example for a special event or a holiday, will not ruin the treatment, but frequent interruptions reduce its effectiveness and prolong the total duration. Consistency is the single most important factor for success, so try to make the device part of your daily routine.

What activities can I do while wearing it?

Quiet, everyday activities are fine: studying, reading, watching TV, working at a desk or light household tasks. Avoid exaggerated upper-body movements, which may cause the device to detach, and remove it before sports or intense physical activity. If it detaches, it can simply be reapplied.

Can I wear it under my clothes? Will people notice?

Yes. The device is low-profile and can be worn discreetly under a loose shirt or sweater, which allows many patients to accumulate wearing time at home, at school or in the office without drawing attention.

Is it normal for my back to crack during use?

Yes, this can happen and is not a cause for concern. As the sternum lifts, the spine and posture adjust towards a more natural position, which can produce harmless cracking sounds in the upper back.

What is the best age to start treatment?

Treatment is feasible at almost any age, but the best and most durable results are seen in patients roughly between 6 and 18 years old, when the chest wall is still flexible. Starting before the pubertal growth spurt, when the deformity often deepens, is considered ideal.

Can adults achieve permanent correction?

Adults can benefit from the treatment, although their stiffer chest wall usually requires more time and the results are more variable than in children and adolescents. After a few weeks of use the chest typically becomes more flexible and requires less pressure to lift. In adults with deeper or rigid deformities, the Vacuum Bell is often used to improve chest flexibility before surgery.

Can girls and women use the Vacuum Bell?

Yes. Specific models are designed to adapt to the female chest. For girls, starting treatment before breast development begins is generally easier and more comfortable, which is one more reason why pre-adolescence is considered an ideal time to start.

Does it work on asymmetric Pectus Excavatum?

Yes. Published studies show that patients with asymmetric deformities can achieve results comparable to those with symmetric ones, although some degree of residual asymmetry may remain visible after correction.

Does the Vacuum Bell correct flared ribs?

Results with rib flare are variable. In some patients the flaring improves as the sternum returns to a normal position; in others, complementary measures such as specific exercises or bracing may be recommended by the specialist.

Who should not use the Vacuum Bell?

The device is contraindicated in patients with bone fragility disorders (such as osteogenesis imperfecta or osteoporosis), bleeding or coagulation disorders (such as haemophilia or thrombopathy), vasculopathies or aortic aneurysm (for example associated with Marfan syndrome), relevant cardiac conditions, or open skin lesions in the application area. This is why a medical evaluation is required before starting treatment.

Is there scientific evidence that it works?

Yes. Since the mid-2000s, multiple clinical studies have evaluated Vacuum Bell therapy. Recent long-term series report complete correction in a substantial proportion of paediatric patients treated consistently for 12–24 months, with only minor, temporary side effects. Factors linked to success include starting at a younger age, longer daily use and adequate total treatment duration.

Are the results only cosmetic?

No. Medical imaging has shown that the device physically moves the sternum towards a normal position. In addition to the aesthetic improvement, many patients report better posture and relief of symptoms associated with Pectus Excavatum, such as exercise intolerance or a feeling of pressure in the chest.

Will my chest sink back after I stop the treatment?

When the treatment is completed as prescribed, recurrence is uncommon. To consolidate the result, treatment usually ends with a maintenance phase in which wearing time is reduced gradually rather than stopped abruptly. Stopping too early, before the correction has stabilised, increases the risk of partial relapse.

How is my progress monitored?

Progress is typically assessed by measuring the depth of the depression, taking standardised photographs and reviewing tolerance and wearing time at regular follow-up visits. Your doctor will use these check-ups to adjust the daily protocol and decide when to begin the maintenance phase.

Will the device leave marks on my skin?

A temporary ring of redness or mild bruising where the rim contacts the skin is normal and usually disappears within hours. If marks are intense or persistent, the vacuum pressure is probably too high and should be reduced. Persistent or painful skin changes should be reviewed by your doctor.

Is the Vacuum Bell covered by health insurance?

Coverage varies by country and insurer. As the Vacuum Bell is a prescribed medical device, some health systems and private insurers reimburse part or all of its cost when prescribed by a specialist. We recommend asking your insurer and requesting the necessary medical documentation from your doctor.

Can I travel or fly with the Vacuum Bell?

Yes. The device is portable, contains no electronics or batteries and can be carried in hand luggage without problems. Maintaining your daily routine while travelling helps keep the treatment on track.

Can I combine the Vacuum Bell with exercise or physiotherapy?

Yes, and it is encouraged. Postural and breathing exercises, stretching and strengthening of the back and core complement the treatment and help correct habits such as slouching that often accompany Pectus Excavatum. The device itself, however, should be used at rest, not during sports.