Definition of Vacuum Bell Therapy

The vacuum bell is a medical device used in the treatment of pectus excavatum, one of the most common chest wall defects.[1] The bell is mainly used to treat the cosmetic problems associated with the condition, as symptomatic cases of pectus excavatum are usually more severe, and may require surgery. It was invented by a German engineer named Eckart Klobe, and is sold in the European Union by Eckart Klobe himself and in the U.S. by Costa.

A 2006 study of 34 patients (31 male and 3 female), aged between 6–52 years, who used the bell for 1–18 months showed immediate improvements. The patients were followed up with clinical examination, photography and CT scans. After 3 months, 27 of the patients displayed an elevation of the sternum of more than 1.5 cm, and after 12 months the sternum was lifted to a normal level within 5 of the patients. Studies showing long term improvements are currently lacking.