Taffy
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Posts: 21
Registered: 4-13-2012
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Randy, some info for you...
Hey there. Okay, so I will try to provide a little bit of info about this type of repair. First, you're right about the procedure for the sternal
closure. That was developed here in Charlotte by Robicsek (along with others? I'm not sure). Robicsek is probably now in his mid to late 80's and is
no longer performing surgery, but he is quite a skilled surgeon and also performed Charlotte's very first heart transplant. I believe he is from
Hungary. Anyway, he also developed a way of repairing pectus excavatum using a type of mesh called Marlex mesh and it's based on modified Ravitch, but
this specific repair using Marlex mesh is called Robicsek technique. Here are a few links so you can read them if you want. The one describing the
technique is dated 1978, when it was first developed and used.
http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/content/full/80/6/2419
http://ats.ctsnetjournals.org/cgi/reprint/26/1/80.pdf
Thanks!
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Mark001
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Posts: 120
Registered: 1-12-2012
Location: Miami
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Taffy,
Thanks for the medical links. I have done a lot of research on the nuss and ravitch, but have never heard of the Robicsek. Keep us updated on your
son’s surgery. I’ll be interested in hearing how his recovery goes.
Btw I agree with you about doctors not knowing much about PE. When I told my cardiologist that I wanted to have the nuss he basically shrugged his
shoulders and said you can have it if you want to, but it’s mostly cosmetic. Sounds like you’ve had a similar experience, and I’m glad that you
haven’t bought into that mindset.
Wishing the best for you and your son.
Mark
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Randy
Contibuting Member
Posts: 4740
Registered: 12-22-2005
Location: St. Louis MO
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Mood: Always Fun & Positive
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taffy
Some good digs on the Robicsek Technique. The Robicsek Technique appears to be almost identical to what is called the Ravitch Procedure. The Annals of
thoracic Surgery you have linked explains the procedure well. I seem to find very similar the Ravitch and the Robicsek procedure. Dr. Fonkalsrude used
what appears to be an identical procedure, he called it the Ravitch, yet his support system for holding the sternum in position was sutures and some
wire type material. Although there has been much success with this type of PE corrective surgery, the Ravitch and similar have fallen in favor to the
solid rigid metal Nuss bar. In general solid metal offers NON flexibility where simple sutures or mesh are extremely flexible. These are my thoughts,
keep up your search, the annals of thoracic surgery is a great read with good information, great find and thanks for posting the links, I learned
some new stuff.
Keep updating our progress, Im very interested in your success!!
Randy
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Taffy
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Posts: 21
Registered: 4-13-2012
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Randy and Mark,
Thanks you both so much for the kind words! Hopefully there will be updates here and there as time goes by, and I wish you both the best as well.
Thanks again.
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Randy
Contibuting Member
Posts: 4740
Registered: 12-22-2005
Location: St. Louis MO
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Taffy
I and all here wish the best most successful PE repair for you or your son?? I forgot, my memory dont matter, just the fact that you do good research
and get great life long results.
Randy
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jc_denton
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Posts: 65
Registered: 2-1-2011
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I had a "modified" Ravitch procedure which involved a mesh to stabilise and regression happened within a couple of days. So do not recommend it.
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longdayz
Contributing Member
Posts: 92
Registered: 1-13-2012
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I also had a modified Ravitch with mesh and I am happy with the results. I haven't had any regression. My surgery was performed in December by Dr
Deschamps of Mayo.
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Sienna
Contributing Member
Posts: 162
Registered: 3-21-2012
Location: New England, USA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Post-Nuss, no Fuss. Upper PE, still my Enemy.
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Interesting reading. I am wondering the "rejection" rate of the mesh material. It must cause inflammation and adhesions if you are allergic to the
stuff (?). I am opting for a Nuss because 1: I don't want a relapse-redo (frankly at 50, I'm too old for that) and 2: I am somewhat allergic to
surgical steel and can opt for a titanium bar or bars.
Lots of differing opinions here, but Nuss seems to be the prevalent choice. Painful but permanent fix.
Longdayz had success with the Ravitch, so it does work great for some folks!
All the best to you! Knowledge is indeed power.
-Sienna
Official Member of the 3 Bar Club!!!
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