Surprisingly Select 4 Regular Institutions for Pectus Excavatum Correction for 20-Year-Olds in New York City!

Introduction

Pectus excavatum, commonly known as “funnel chest,” is a congenital deformity of the front of the chest wall that causes a sunken breastbone (sternum) and ribs. This condition may worsen during the teen years and can have both physical and psychological impacts on individuals. For 20 - year - olds in New York City seeking pectus excavatum correction, there are several reputable institutions. In this article, we will explore four regular institutions that offer high - quality treatment for this condition.

Understanding Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cartilage within the chest wall, which pushes the sternum and ribs inward, creating a caved - in or sunken appearance. It can be visually noticeable and may also affect heart and lung function. Some common symptoms include shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, and palpitations. In many cases, it can lead to self - consciousness, especially during adolescence and young adulthood.

Causes and Prevalence

The exact cause of pectus excavatum is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to excessive growth of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, which pulls the sternum inward. It is more common in boys than girls and often runs in families. Pectus excavatum occurs in about 1 in 400 births and is found in 2.6 percent of children aged 7 – 14, with the condition becoming more prominent during periods of rapid growth, such as adolescence.

Diagnosis

Due to its visual nature, pectus excavatum can usually be initially diagnosed by physical examination of the chest wall. However, depending on the symptoms and clinical findings, the medical team may request a series of tests. These tests can include an echocardiogram to check for valve problems, a CT scan to assess the severity of the deformity and its potential impact on internal organs, and pulmonary function tests to measure the amount of air a person can get into and out of their lungs.

Four Regular Institutions for Pectus Excavatum Correction in New York City

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai is a well - known medical institution in New York City that offers pectus excavatum repair services. They provide two main types of surgery to repair this condition: open surgery and closed (minimally invasive) surgery.

Open Surgery

• The surgeon makes a cut across the front part of the chest.
• The deformed cartilage is removed, leaving the rib lining in place to allow the cartilage to grow back correctly.
• A cut is made in the breastbone, which is then moved to the correct location. A metal strut may be used to hold the breastbone in the normal position until it heals, which takes 3 to 12 months.
• A tube may be placed to drain fluids that build up in the area of repair.
• The metal struts are removed in 6 to 12 months through a small cut in the skin under the arm on an outpatient basis.

Closed (Minimally Invasive) Surgery

• The surgeon makes two small incisions, one on each side of the chest.
• A thoracoscope, a small video camera, is placed through one of the incisions to allow the surgeon to view inside the chest.
• A curved steel bar shaped to fit the patient is inserted through the incisions and placed under the breastbone to lift it. The bar is left in place for at least 2 years to help the breastbone grow properly.
• After surgery, the scope is removed and the incisions are closed.

The decision on which surgery to perform depends on various factors, including the severity of the deformity, the patient's age, and overall health. Surgery at Mount Sinai is typically done under general anesthesia, and patients may stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days for recovery.

The Center of Excellence for Pectus

Established in 2005, The Center of Excellence for Pectus is the premier center for the Nuss procedure to treat pectus excavatum and evaluate all forms of pectus. Dr. Barry Losasso, a board - certified adult and pediatric general surgeon, has been treating pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum for teens and adults since 1999.

The Nuss Procedure

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that involves inserting a metal bar behind the breastbone to correct the pectus excavatum. Dr. Losasso trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure, at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia. He has performed over 1,400 minimally invasive Nuss procedures to correct pectus excavatum in both adolescents and adults (10 - 55 years old).

Patient Considerations

The best age to get the Nuss procedure is between 13 – 16 years old when the chest’s cartilage and bones are still malleable. However, Dr. Losasso has successfully completed many Nuss procedures in patients as old as 53 years old. Before the procedure, an imaging test is ordered to measure the Haller index, which helps determine the severity of the pectus deformity. A Haller index of 3.2 - 3.25 is generally required for surgical intervention.

NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center

NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center is a leading medical institution in New York City. Although it is also involved in researching new treatments for pectus excavatum, traditional surgical options are also available. Their team of experts includes general thoracic surgeons who are experienced in performing corrective surgeries for pectus excavatum.

Traditional Surgical Options

The hospital offers both the Nuss procedure and the modified Ravitch procedure. The choice between the two depends on multiple factors such as the patient's age, the severity of the deformity, and the associated asymmetry and sternal rotation. The medical team at NewYork - Presbyterian conducts a thorough assessment of the patient, including radiological investigations such as CT scans and MRI, to determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Multidisciplinary Care

Patients at NewYork - Presbyterian can benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. This includes consultations with cardiologists to assess heart function, pulmonologists to evaluate respiratory function, and pain management specialists to ensure a comfortable recovery after surgery.

NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health has a comprehensive approach to treating pectus excavatum. Their team of surgeons, including pediatric and adult specialists, are trained in the latest techniques for pectus excavatum correction.

Customized Treatment Plans

Each patient at NYU Langone receives a customized treatment plan. This is based on a detailed evaluation of their condition, including a physical examination, imaging studies, and an assessment of their overall health. Whether it is the minimally invasive Nuss procedure or the open Ravitch procedure, the medical team at NYU Langone selects the most appropriate treatment option to achieve the best possible results in terms of both physical and cosmetic outcomes.

Rehabilitation and Follow - up

After surgery, NYU Langone provides comprehensive rehabilitation services. Patients are given detailed instructions on post - operative care, including pain management, activity restrictions, and wound care. Regular follow - up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient's recovery and ensure that the chest wall is healing properly.

Comparing the Institutions

Considerations Before Choosing an Institution

When a 20 - year - old in New York City is considering pectus excavatum correction, several factors should be taken into account:

Surgeon Experience

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. A surgeon who has performed a large number of pectus excavatum surgeries is more likely to have better outcomes. For example, at The Center of Excellence for Pectus, Dr. Barry Losasso's extensive experience with the Nuss procedure gives patients more confidence in the treatment.

Treatment Options

Different institutions offer different treatment options. Some may specialize in a particular type of surgery, while others offer a wider range. It is important to understand the pros and cons of each treatment option and how it suits the patient's specific condition.

Multidisciplinary Care

Institutions that provide multidisciplinary care, such as having cardiologists, pulmonologists, and pain management specialists on the team, can ensure a more comprehensive approach to treatment. This helps in assessing the patient's overall health, predicting and managing potential complications, and providing better pain control during the recovery process.

Patient Reviews and Reputation

Reading patient reviews and considering the institution's reputation can provide valuable insights. Positive reviews from past patients indicate that the institution is likely to provide high - quality care and a satisfactory patient experience.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Care

Pre - operative Care

Before pectus excavatum surgery, patients need to undergo a series of pre - operative evaluations. This includes a complete medical exam, medical tests such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, pulmonary function tests, and CT scans or MRIs of the chest. Patients also need to inform the surgeon about any medications they are taking, allergies they may have, and follow instructions regarding stopping certain blood - thinning drugs before surgery. For example, about 7 days before surgery, patients may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, and other blood - thinning drugs.

Post - operative Care

After surgery, pain management is a key aspect of post - operative care. Patients may receive strong pain medicine in the vein or through a catheter placed in the spine (an epidural) in the first few days, followed by oral pain medications. Patients may also have tubes in the chest around the surgical cuts to drain extra fluid, which are removed once the drainage stops. Activity restrictions are imposed initially, and patients are gradually allowed to increase their activity levels. For example, they may not be able to bend, twist, or roll from side to side at first, and heavy physical exertion is restricted for about 6 weeks.

Conclusion

In 2025, 20 - year - olds in New York City have several excellent options for pectus excavatum correction. Mount Sinai - New York, The Center of Excellence for Pectus, NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, and NYU Langone Health all offer high - quality treatment, each with its own unique features. Whether it is the surgical expertise, the range of treatment options, or the comprehensive patient care, these institutions are well - equipped to handle pectus excavatum cases. Before making a decision, patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and medical condition, and consult with the medical teams at these institutions.

Take the first step towards pectus excavatum correction by researching these institutions further. Contact their patient support teams, schedule consultations, and gather more information to make an informed decision about your treatment. Share this article with others who may benefit from the information and help spread awareness about pectus excavatum treatment options in New York City.