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Vacuum-bell for pectus excavatum
Item Description: For sale is one vacuum-bell for use in treatment of pectus excavatum. This bell is hand-fabricated in my workshop and contains a stainless steel hand-operated vacuum pump, 8 diameter stainless steel bell , and rubber connector.
Personal Story: I suffer from pectus excavatum, and was always embarrassed by the dent in my chest. I needn t tell anyone else with the deformity how it can effect one s self-esteem and confidence. Unfortunately, I was never aware that there was anything that could be done about it. Even if there had been, my case was probably too mild to warrant correction. And so, I lived with it. For many years, I just tried to ignore it. As I became an adult, it mattered to me less, but it definitely still bothered me. Then, a few years ago, I began searching in earnest for a solution to my deformity. The internet provided a lot of interesting facts, many of which I was unaware. It turns out that now, although you have to be a child, there ARE corrective surgeries that can be performed. Unfortunately for me (and many others), time had passed me by. Then I discovered some studies that had been performed in Europe and their use of a vacuum-bell treatment regiment. Although there are numerous studies outlining the same basic principles, the most thorough I have found is: http://ejcts.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/29/4/557. They all stay something similar: that long-term use of a vacuum-bell, combined with upper-body strength training, can over time lessen or even correct the pectus excavatum deformity in males. Unfortunately, these devices are not sold in the U.S., and obtaining one from overseas can be very difficult. Because of this, I decided to build one myself. With my own shop and over 15 years of mechanical design experience, I am pleased to say that mine is at least as good as any other professionally made vacuum bell sold overseas.
The Testimonial: After experimenting with a few prototypes (they all worked to some extent), I settled on the design you see in the photos. I have been using this bell for a period of about 10 months now, and the results are dramatic. Even after my very first time using the bell, my sternum held a correct, outward position for a period of about 5 or 6 hours, then it slowly sank back down. Over time, my sternum would hold its position longer and longer, until eventually it stopped sinking all the way back to its original position. Even if I don t use the bell for days, my sternum holds a much more normal position that it ever has in my life. In the photos, the first two body shots show my sternum as it now appears after not using the bell for 48 hours. It has completely sunk back down to its fullest depth and even this is a dramatic improvement over where I started from. The redness is simply skin irritation (this is a side-affect) from the vacuum force. This is natural. The second two body shots show my sternum 1 hour later after wearing the device. As you can see the results are dramatic. With regular use every day, my sternum holds this correct, outward position in perpetuity. My hope is, as the study referenced above suggests, that after the recommended 2-3 year period, my sternum will naturally hold this position without treatment. It is because of these promising early results that I am tremendously optimistic about the potential for this device to cure my pe. Even if it is never completely corrected however, the opportunity to maintain a normal appearance under my shirts, at the beach, etc is invaluable to me.
My Motivation: My motivation is simple: I want to help those afflicted with pe. I know all too well the anguish caused by this seemingly cosmetic flaw, and I want to do as much as possible to share with others the joy that has been mine after attainment of what might be called a normal appearance. The cost to you represents only a modest increase over the cost of raw materials, my time is free. However, if you like, I will happily forward complete instructions regarding the raw materials, fabrication, and assembly of the device. Please ask, I honestly just want to help.
Directions for Use: Place the bell directly over the deepest part of the sternum and crank the pump. Achieving a seal is critical so make sure the entire rim of the bell is touching the skin, some pressure may be necessary (such as holding it there tightly with your other hand). Personally, I have found it easiest to sit at a table, with the bottom of the bell against it, and my chest against the bell. Once vacuum is achieved lean back or remove your hand and it will adhere to the chest. Crank the pump to the desired pressure. I wear mine at about 200 mm Hg (the crank is metric) for about an hour a day. Higher pressures are ok but this will cause some discomfort. Vacuum cannot be maintained at pressures higher than 300 or so because of the porous nature of human skin. The first few weeks will cause the most pain and skin irritation, but these are minimal and will subside over time. Wear the bell for about 1 to 2 hours a day, 5 to 7 days a week. The difference will be immediately noticeable and will gradually improve over time.
