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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07498699

Quantifying Changes in the Thoracic Wall After Nuss Bar Removal in Pectus Excavatum Patients Using 3D Imaging

Pectus excavatum (funnel chest) is the most common congenital anterior thoracic wall deformity. It can be associated not only with cosmetic concerns but also with psychosocial and limiting somatic complaints. Patients with this condition are often treated surgically using the Nuss bar procedure, in which a metal bar is placed behind the sternum to effectively "pop out" the funnel chest. This bar typically remains in place for 2-3 years.

To analyze how the thoracic wall changes after removal of the Nuss bar, we aim to capture three-dimensional (3D) images at four different time points: just before removal, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months post-removal. When significant changes over time are detected, we aim to identify factors that may predict retraction or recurrence. Based on these predictive factors, individualized decision-making regarding the timing of Nuss bar removal can be optimized to minimize the risk of retraction or recurrence.

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Key information

Conditions

Pectus Excavatum Bone Diseases Bone Diseases, Developmental Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Funnel Chest Musculoskeletal Abnormalities Musculoskeletal Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Zuyderland Medical Center

Heerlen, Netherlands

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients of all ages and genders with a Nuss bar eligible for removal.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients in whom the bar or stabilizing components were dislocated
  • Patients who underwent a second surgery for their pectus excavatum following the initial placement of the Nuss bar
  • Patients in whom retrosternal metal bars have been placed for any indication other than the treatment of pectus excavatum
  • Patients with connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome
  • Patients diagnosed with epilepsy
  • Patients who are unable to maintain a stationary standing position for approximately 60 seconds

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. External Haller index

    Time frame: just before removal, immediately after, and at 6 and 12 months post-removal.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Erik de Loos

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Quantification of Thoracic Wall Changes Using Three-dimensional Optical Imaging After Nuss Bar Removal

Acronym: CHEST

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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