To help minimize risk, it is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon and attend regular follow-up appointments. The physical restrictions prescribed by your surgeon are intended to help prevent complications as metallic support bars cannot withstand activity levels and loads equal to those placed on a normal healthy chest wall.
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Complications include, but are not limited to:
- Metal sensitivity reaction or allergic reaction to the implant (Pectus bar) material (metal).
- Pain, discomfort, or abnormal sensation due to the presence of the device.
- Surgical trauma including permanent or temporary nerve damage, permanent or temporary damage to heart, lungs, and other organs, body structures or tissues
- Skin irritation, infection, and pneumothorax (air leaking in the space between the lung and chest wall which may cause the lung to collapse)
- Fracture, breakage, migration, or loosening of the implant
- Inadequate or incomplete remodeling of the deformity or return of the deformity, prior to or after removal of the implant
- Permanent injury or death
For a complete list of risks associated with Zimmer Biomet’s pectus bar, see Patient Risk Information1.
Pectus Excavatum patients with any of the following conditions are not a candidate for treatment with the Pectus Support Bar:
- Active infection
- Certain metal allergy or sensitivity
- Insufficient quantity or quality of bone or tissue to allow chest wall remodeling
- Mental condition preventing compliance with post-operative care instructions
