Introduction

This invention consists of a composite Nuss bar for the correction of thoracic deformities, in a non-invasive way. The composite nature of the bar (metallic fibers/rods or laminas, embedded in a bioresorbable polymeric matrix) allows its removal in a non-thraumatic way.

Technical features

The Pectus Excavatum (PE) is a deformity of the thoracic wall, consisting of a depression of the anterior part of the thorax. Currently, the standard procedure for the treatment of PE is the Nuss procedure, in which a metal bar is implanted in a retrosternal position and left in situ for about 3 years. The second intervention, needed to remove the bar, is thraumatic and risky.

This invention concerns a composite Nuss bar. This device is constituted externally of a biodegradable polymeric matrix, which goes in contact with tissues and remains in situ until it completely degrades, while internally it is based on a series of metallic structures (rods or laminas) that can be easily extracted once the period needed for the correction is completed. Such metallic structures confer to the device appropriate mechanical properties. An external coating based on a highly biocompatible and biodegradable coating allows to minimize the inflammatory response to the implant

Possible Applications

• Minimally invasive correction of thoracic deformity;
• Development of implantable composite devices able to sustain high loads and able to be extracted in a minimally invasive way, once their corrective action has completed.

Advantages

• Reduction of the invasiveness of the bar removal procedure, to be performed once its corrective action has completed.