The Seesaw technique: A novel hybrid single-bar approach for asymmetric pectus excavatum correction.

Abstract

Asymmetric pectus excavatum (PE) is surgically challenging due to combined depressive and protrusive components. We describe a novel hybrid "Seesaw" technique that integrates the Nuss and Abramson principles using a single pectus bar. In six patients with asymmetric PE, the bar followed an extra-thoracic path on the protruded side to provide compression and an intra-thoracic path on the depressed side to provide elevation through a single-incision access. Early outcomes were favorable, with excellent cosmetic correction, high patient satisfaction, and one case of bar rotation. The Seesaw technique appears to be a simple, minimally invasive, and promising option for selected patients.