Optimal Duration of Nuss Bar Implant for Pectus Deformities

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has been increasingly offered to both children and adults for the definitive treatment of pectus excavatum. Current recommendations are that the duration of Nuss bar implants should be approximately 2–4 years, but asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients may derive significant reassurance from the prospect of minimizing the risk of recurrence by leaving the bars in place longer. In our review longer bar duration did not negatively affect quality of life or cause harm. The risk of bar displacement and internal organ damage during sport activities is not substantiated. However, indwelling pectus implants may render cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers ineffective. Pectus bar duration may be safely extended but the effectiveness of this strategy is yet to be demonstrated.