Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014; 62(03): 238-244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1367737
Original Thoracic
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pectus Excavatum and Cardiac Surgery: Simultaneous Correction Advocated

Joachim Schmidt
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
,
Bassam Redwan
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
,
Volkan Koesek
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
,
Hermann Aebert
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
,
Tonny Djie-Tiong Tjan
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
,
Sven Martens
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
,
Karsten Wiebe
1   Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

14 October 2013

28 November 2013

Publication Date:
07 February 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Background Severe pectus excavatum may be present in combination with cardiac conditions requiring open-heart surgery. The best strategy for this situation has been debated controversially.

Patients and Methods In a retrospective study, we analyzed all our patients undergoing concurrent pectus excavatum correction and open-heart surgery.

Results Ten patients aged 9 to 70 years underwent a simultaneous combined surgical procedure between 2001 and 2013. Indications for cardiac surgery were various forms of congenital and acquired heart disease including coronary artery disease with internal thoracic artery grafts and ascending aortic aneurysms. A modified Ravitch procedure was performed for pectus excavatum correction (mean Haller-Index 5.0). Mean operating time was 364 (210–495) minutes and mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 125 (54–222) minutes. All procedures were completed successfully. Postoperatively minor complications were observed in three patients. In-hospital and 30-day mortalities were nil. Good cosmetic and functional results were achieved in all patients.

Conclusions Our data demonstrate that simultaneous pectus excavatum correction and cardiac surgery is effective and reliable. A combined approach is advocated if candidates for cardiac surgery present with significant pectus excavatum deformity.