Objective To explore the clinical application effect and technical advantages of percutaneous suspension technique via sternal elevation device-assisted pectus excavatum (PE) correction. Methods Patients who underwent percutaneous suspension technique via sternal elevation device-assisted PE correction at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July to August 2025 were consecutively enrolled, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 5 PE patients were included in the study, including 4 males and 1 female, aged 14 to 27 years, and the preoperative Haller index ranged from 3.44 to 7.65. Among them, 4 patients underwent PE correction assisted by percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device, and one underwent PE correction assisted by percutaneous suspension technique via single sternal elevation device. All operations were completed successfully, with a significant expansion of the retrosternal space, smooth implantation of the steel plate, and no complications. The operation time ranged from 29 to 48 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 2-5 mL. The patients recovered well after surgery, and the satisfaction rate with thoracic wall appearance correction was 100%. Conclusion The percutaneous suspension technique via sternal elevation device-assisted PE correction can safely expand the retrosternal operating space. This crucial expansion reduces surgical risks and optimizes the orthopedic outcome, underscoring its significant clinical value for minimally invasive treatment of PE.
ObjectiveTo introduce an innovative technique, the "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" and its application in the subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for anterior mediastinal masses resection. MethodsPatients who underwent single-port thoracoscopic assisted anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the xiphoid process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to June 2024 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. ResultsA total of 7 patients were included, with 3 males and 4 females, aged 28-72 years. The diameter of the tumor was 1.9-17.0 cm. The operation time was 62-308 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-100 mL, postoperative chest drainage tube retention time was 0-9 days, pain score on the 7th day after surgery was 0-2 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days. All patients underwent successful and complete resection of the masses and thymus, with favorable postoperative recovery. ConclusionThe "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" effectively expands the retrosternal space, providing surgeons with satisfactory surgical views and operating space. This technique significantly enhances the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgery for anterior mediastinal masses, reduces trauma and postoperative pain, and accelerates patient recovery, demonstrating important clinical significance and application value.