Skip to main content
Professional Technical IVT

Nuss Procedure

Minimally invasive surgical repair of pectus excavatum using a substernal support bar.

Full Definition

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique for correcting pectus excavatum, developed by Dr. Donald Nuss. The procedure involves placing a curved metal bar beneath the sternum through small bilateral thoracic incisions, which gradually reshapes the chest wall over time. The bar remains in place for 2-3 years before removal. This technique has largely replaced open repairs like the Ravitch procedure due to reduced morbidity and improved cosmetic outcomes.

Usage

Usage note: Named procedure; capitalize. Specify bar configuration when known.

In Context

  • "The patient underwent successful Nuss procedure with placement of a single substernal bar." — Operative report
  • "Post-operative pain management following Nuss procedure requires multimodal analgesia." — Anesthesia protocol

Also known as

minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum MIRPE

Contrasted with

Ravitch procedure open repair

Don't confuse with

Ravitch procedure Leonard procedure

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON