Chest Wall Program

As a parent with a child who has a chest wall abnormality, or as an adult with a chest wall abnormality, you know that it can affect daily life in a number of ways. Some children tire easily, become short of breath while playing a sport, or experience discomfort or pain. Other children, especially teenagers, might try to hide their appearance and possibly experience low self-esteem.

At the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health pediatric Chest Wall Program, we empower children, adolescents, and adults to achieve optimal function and improved cosmetic outcomes for chest wall abnormalities. We offer the latest technologies to ensure safe and accurate diagnoses, and we employ enhanced treatment methods for exceptional results and quick recovery.

Your child is cared for by a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists assembled for his or her specific needs. Team members include general surgeons, cardiologists, pulmonologists, pain management experts, physical therapists, and specialized advanced practice providers. Our team provides an evaluation, a treatment plan, and follow-up care for all types of chest wall deformities, including:

• Pectus carinatum
• Mixed deformity
• Other chest wall anomalies

Pectus excavatum

Pectus excavatum, also known as “funnel chest,” is a condition wheren the sternum (breastbone) is abnormally depressed or sunken into the chest. Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity and is more common in boys. It can range from mild to severe, with more severe cases potentially affecting heart or lung function. We are a Ccenter of Eexcellence that cares for a high volume of pectus excavatum patients every year.

Learn more about Pectus excavatum >

Why choose Stanford Medicine Children’s Health for chest wall care

• Personalized care plans. We are 100% focused on providing every child exceptional care for their specific needs. We offer a variety of care options—including ones not widely available, such as vacuum bell, so you can make the best choice for your child.
• Highly experienced, specially trained surgeons. Our renowned pediatric General Surgery program provides the highest level of care in the United States. Because we are one of the larger-volume chest wall programs in nation, our specialized surgeons have deep expertise in chest wall abnormalities and are exceptionally skilled in the very latest minimally invasive procedural and surgical techniques. This expertise often leads to shorter hospital stays.
• Holistic, complete care. By following your child over time—from birth through childhood and adolescence—we are able to provide chest wall correction at the right time and in the right way.
• Target-based care pathway. Our team collaborates with the Pediatric Anesthesia and Pediatric Pain Management team to provide target- based pain management following Nuss surgery.