Preguntas frecuentes

¿Quién puede utilizar la campana de vacío?

Se recomienda para pacientes con Pectus Excavatum leve a moderado. Es principalmente adecuado para niños pero también para adultos si el objetivo es mejorar la flexibilidad del tórax antes de la reparación quirúrgica, aunque la idoneidad debe ser evaluada por un especialista en estas deformidades.

¿Puede la Vacuum Bell facilitar el tratamiento quirúrgico del Pectus Excavatum?

En pacientes adultos con tórax rígido, el uso de Vacuum Bell puede ayudar a aumentar la flexibilidad de su cavidad torácica y prepararlos para una reparación quirúrgica de su Pectus Excavatum, como la técnica Pectus Up, que tira del esternón hacia afuera sin ingresar al tórax.

¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda en ver los resultados?

Los resultados varían entre los pacientes. Algunos pueden notar mejoras en unos pocos meses, mientras que para otros, el tratamiento puede tardar un año o más, y es posible que no se observen mejoras en pacientes adultos. La constancia y el cumplimiento del tratamiento diario y continuo son claves para conseguir buenos resultados.

¿Es doloroso usar la campana de vacío?

Inicialmente, algunos pacientes pueden sentir una ligera presión o malestar debido al vacío creado por el dispositivo. Sin embargo, esto no debería ser doloroso. Si experimentas dolor o molestias importantes debes dejar de usarlo y consultar con tu médico para ajustar el tratamiento.

¿Existen efectos secundarios por el uso de Vacuum Bell?

Los efectos secundarios comunes incluyen enrojecimiento de la piel, hematomas y una leve molestia en el área de aplicación. Estos efectos generalmente desaparecen con el tiempo. Si se producen efectos secundarios graves o persistentes, debe comunicarse con su médico.

¿Puedo utilizar la campana de vacío mientras hago ejercicio?

No se recomienda utilizar el dispositivo durante actividades físicas o deportes intensos. Se debe utilizar en reposo para evitar posibles lesiones y asegurar la correcta aplicación del dispositivo.

¿Cuánto tiempo necesito para usar la campana de vacío?

La duración total del tratamiento puede variar dependiendo de la gravedad del Pectus Excavatum y de la respuesta del paciente al tratamiento. Su médico le proporcionará una estimación más precisa basada en su progreso individual.

¿La campana de vacío es segura para los niños?

Sí, la Vacuum Bell se puede utilizar en niños, pero siempre bajo supervisión médica y con el consentimiento y orientación de los padres. La evaluación médica del paciente es fundamental para garantizar que el dispositivo es seguro y el más adecuado para el niño.

¿Necesito receta médica para obtener una campana de vacío?

Sí, se requiere prescripción médica y evaluación previa por un especialista en deformidades del tórax. Esto garantiza que el dispositivo sea apropiado para su condición específica y que su uso se controle correctamente.

¿Qué debo hacer si la campana de vacío está dañada?

Si el dispositivo está dañado, debe comunicarse con el fabricante o un distribuidor autorizado para obtener información sobre reparaciones o reemplazos. No intente reparar el dispositivo usted mismo, ya que esto podría comprometer su eficacia y seguridad.

¿Puedo dormir con la campana de vacío encendida?

No se recomienda utilizar el dispositivo mientras duerme. La Campana de Vacío está diseñada para períodos específicos durante el día en los que el paciente está despierto y puede monitorear su aplicación.

¿Qué debo hacer si tengo una reacción adversa al usar la campana de vacío?

Si experimenta una reacción adversa, como dolor significativo, hinchazón, enrojecimiento intenso o cualquier otro síntoma preocupante, debe dejar de usar el dispositivo inmediatamente y consultar a su médico para una evaluación y ajustes en el tratamiento.

¿Son necesarios controles médicos periódicos durante el uso de la Campana de Vacío?

Sí, se recomiendan controles periódicos con su médico para seguir el progreso y ajustar el tratamiento según sea necesario. Las visitas periódicas ayudan a garantizar que el dispositivo funcione correctamente y que no haya complicaciones.

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.