Methods and Devices for Correcting Pectus Carinatum

An embodiment can include a pectus carinatum device for providing an adjustable compressive force to a subject's sternal protrusion. A pectus carinatum device can extend around a subject's torso, and chest cavity and apply a dynamic compressive pressure directly to a subject's sternal protrusion. A pectus carinatum device can include a strap removably attached to a clasp, a cinching device, a compression plate, and a protective padding. A cinching device and compression plate can apply a dynamic compressive force to a subject's sternal protrusion. A strap applies tension around a subject's torso, but allows the subject to freely move, and breath while keeping a constant dynamic compressive force on a subject's sternal protrusion. A protective padding can be removably attached to a compression plate, and an enclosure can be configured to surround a strap and to receive anti-migration, and antimicrobial material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to a device and method for non-surgically correcting pectus carinatum.

BACKGROUND

Various types of devices for treating pectus carinatum are known in the art. Usually pectus carinatum is treated by surgery, which can include excisions of the deformed cartilage with sternal osteotomy and an internal fixation device implanted into the subject. Surgically treating pectus carinatum often provides an individual with poor long term outcomes and a lengthy recover process. With surgery and implants, pectus carinatum could reoccur in a subject over time. As a result, non-surgical methods and devices were developed to treat pectus carinatum. Typically, a pectus carinatum device has a large front plate placed on a subject's chest such that the plate applies pressure to the pectus carinatum site. The large front plate is usually attached to a metal frame, which can cause skin ulcerations or back pain. The large front plate is usually custom made to fit the varying size and shape of each subject's chest. Furthermore, previous pectus carinatum devices usually require multiple configuration points to accommodate the subject's chest size and width of the subject's torso.

A pectus carinatum device uses Wolff s Law to move a subject's bone. Wolff s law states that when healthy bone and cartilage are being loaded with a constant force, the bone will adapt, strengthen, and eventually reform itself under the pressure. Typically, a pectus carinatum device pushes against a subject's bone with a constant force. Over time the force on the bone requires adjustment to fit the subject's pressure requirements. With current technologies, a pectus carinatum device can either be replaced with a new device or can require the subject to take the device to an expert to have it adjusted. Typically, a pectus carinatum device uses a large front plate with an opposing force from a large back plate placed on the back of the subject. In addition, metal frames around the subject's torso, along with straps around the shoulders, keep the front and back plate in position. This can cause the subject discomfort and/or significantly limit the subject's movement. Furthermore, subjects usually have to wear a pectus carinatum device for long periods of time to change the bone structure, which can eventually lead to bacteria growth on the device, and strong smelling odors, because current devices are not completely washable. There is a need for a pectus carinatum device that can be quickly adjustable and customizable to the subject's torso and force requirements for changing the subject's bone structure, that is antimicrobial, and that can allow the subject to freely move without being obstructed by the pectus carinatum device.

SUMMARY

Aspects disclosed herein relate to a device for applying a pressure on a subject's chest, more specifically a pectus carinatum device for providing an adjustable compressive force to a sternal protrusion. A pectus carinatum device can include a strap that can be configured to wrap around and contour itself to a subject's torso and/or chest cavity. Sections of the torso and/or chest cavity can include one or more sections such as, for example, the body of sternum, sternal angle, manubrium sterni, and xiphoid process. In an exemplary embodiment a pectus carinatum device can wrap around one or more portions of a subject's anterior chest wall, sternum, anterior thorax, lateral thorax and posterior thorax regions. A strap can have a first end and a second end, and an exterior portion and an interior portion, joined at a top portion and a bottom portion. A strap can be one or more straps. A strap's first end can be removably connected to a first clasp. A first clasp can be configured to connect a strap and a cinching device together through an attachment receiver. A cinching device can be removably connected to a first clasp by an attachment receiver. A cinching device can be configured to accept one or more laces that can be removably attached to a first front clasp. A first front clasp can be removably connected to a front strap.

A cinching device can pull or release tension through one or more laces which can react on a compression plate, which can apply a set dynamic compressive pressure to a subject's sternal protrusion. A cinching device and compression plate combination can apply a set dynamic compressive pressure to a subject's sternal protrusion. In certain embodiments a compression plate can be interchangeable with another compression plate with a different dynamic compressive load, or different size to adjust to a subject's load pressure and/or compression requirements needed during treatments. In addition, a subject's sternal protrusion load pressure or compression requirements can be adjusted by adjusting the tension on a cinching device. A subject's load pressure or compression requirements can be measured in pounds per square inch by one or more or a combination of a cinching device, a compression plate, a load cell, a strain gage attached to a compression plate, or a fiber optic sensor.

In embodiments a compression plate can have an exterior and an interior surface with a first and second end. A compression plate's exterior side can be configured to removably accept an interior side of a front strap. A front strap can contour itself around the exterior surface of a compression plate, and can be removably connected to the compression plate's exterior surface. A compression plate can have a radius, a flat, or a point at its base and can gradually slope away from its radius base, flat base, or pointed base to its first and second ends. In embodiments a protective padding can be configured to be removably attached to a compression plate's interior surface. In certain embodiments, a protective padding can extend from a compression plate's first end to a compression plate's second end. A pectus carinatum device can include a cover that can wrap around a compression plate, and a protective padding, and extend from a compression plate's first end to a compression plate's second end. In an exemplary embodiment a cover can be removably attached to a compression plate, and a protective pad. In certain embodiments a cover can be permanently attached to a compression plate and a protective pad.

In embodiments a front strap's second end can be removably connected to a front second clasp, which can be removably connected to a second clasp. A second clasp can be configured to be removably attached to a second end of a strap. An enclosure can include one or more portions of an interior side and exterior side having a first end and a second end, where the interior side and exterior side can be joined at a top portion and a bottom portion forming an enclosure for a strap to slid through. A strap can be slide through an enclosure and an enclosure can cover some of or all of a strap. An enclosure can be antimicrobial, with silver lined material attached or weaved into an interior side and exterior side of the enclosure. An enclosure can have a thermal absorbing material and/or anti-migration material attached to its interior side at one or more portions.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, shows a top view of a pectus carinatum device100, and a top view of a pectus carinatum device with a cover122and an enclosure126removed for clarity, which can provide an external dynamic compressive force against a subject's sternal protrusion. In embodiments a subject's chest cavity can include one or more sections of such as, for example, the body of sternum, sternum, sternal angle, manubrium of sternum, and xiphoid process. A pectus carinatum device may extend over and/or apply pressure around a subject's thorax region, which can include one or more portions of a subject's anterior chest wall, sternum, anterior thorax, lateral thorax and posterior thorax regions. In embodiments a pectus carinatum device can apply a quantifiable dynamic pressure to a subject's sternal protrusion by gradually compressing the subject's sternum backwards continuously until it reshapes itself into normal position (Wolff's Law Principles). A pectus carinatum device can apply dynamic compressional force to a subject's sternal protrusion while allowing lateral thoracic expansion.

Embodiments include a strap102which can have a first end and a second end, and an exterior side and an interior side joined at a top portion and a bottom portion. A strap102can substantially wrap, contour, and/or extend itself around a subject's torso, and/or back, and/or chest cavity. A strap102can be such as, for example, 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, 3 inches, or the like in height. A strap102can be such as, for example, 0.01 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.1 inch, 0.125 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.225 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.275 inches, 0.3 inches, or the like in width. A strap102can be adjustable in length, and can be cut and/or adjusted to fit a subject's chest size, and/or back size, and/or torso size from about 15 inches to about 50 inches. A strap102can be one or more straps such as, for example, one strap, two straps, three straps, four straps, five straps, six straps, seven straps, or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment a strap102can be dynamic such that it can stretch with a subject's body movement, and/or as a subject breathes in and out, a strap can still provide constant pressure and support to a subject's sternal protrusion thus not restricting respirations as a subject's respirations. In another embodiment a strap102can be static providing a constant and consistent pressure to a subject's torso and/or chest cavity, and a subject's sternal protrusion. A strap's102first end can be removably connected to, attached to, or can be fed through to a first clasp104such as, for example, an alligator strap, a metal loop, a flat metal slide, a rounded metal slide, a clasp buckle, a side release buckle, a cam buckle, a spring buckle, sewed onto a base for a tightening device, or the like. A strap's102second end can be removably connected to, attached to, or can be fed through to a second clasp130such as, for example, an alligator strap, metal loop, flat metal slide, rounded metal slide, clasp buckle, side release buckle, cam buckle, spring buckle, sewed onto a base for a tightening device, or the like. In embodiments a strap102can be such as, for example, a self-gripping strap, a hook and loop fastener strap, a flexible strap, nylon strap, elastic strap, flexibly resilient fabric, blend of nylon, spandex, polypropylene, cotton, polyester, elastic, or the like. In certain embodiments a strap102can be formed of one or more layers such as, for example, one layer, two layers, three layers, four layers, five layers, or the like.

In one embodiment a strap102can be removably connected to a clasp104, which can be an alligator strap. A clasp104can form itself around a strap102. A clasp104can have an attachment receiver110removably or permanently attached to it by such as, for example,110sewing it on, riveting it on, gluing it on, or the like. An attachment receiver110can be such as, for example, a click receiver, a cam buckle, a spring buckle, a clasp buckle, a receiver for a ratchet buckle, or the like. In another embodiment a strap102can be connected to itself by a hook and loop fastener through a metal loop, a flat metal slide, a rounded metal slide, or the like, wherein the metal loop can be connected to a clasp104. In yet another embodiment a strap102can be connected to a clasp104by a clasp buckle, a side release buckle, a cam buckle, a spring buckle, or the like. A clasp104can have an attachment receiver110either removably attached or permanently attached to it by such as, for example, sewing it on, riveting it on, gluing it on, screwing it on, loop and hook fastener, or the like.

In embodiments a pectus carinatum device100, can include a compression plate118having a first and a second end, and an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a cinching device112. In embodiments a cinching device112can be removably attached to an attachment receiver110that can be adapted to receive the cinching device through a click receiver, a cam buckle, a spring buckle, a clasp buckle, a receiver for a ratchet buckle, or the like. A cinching device112can be such as, for example, a ratchet strap system, a tightening system with laces, Boa Closure Guide System, or the like. Embodiments can include a lace114, which can be one or more laces. A cinching device112can be configured to include one or more laces114that can be removably connected directly to a first end of a compression plate118, or to a lace receiver115that can be removably connected to the first end of a compression plate or can be removably connected to a front first clasp116by such as, for example, hook and loop fasteners, bolts and nuts, rivets, or the like. A front first clasp116can be a such as, for example, an alligator strap, a metal loop, a flat metal slide, a rounded metal slide, a clasp buckle, a side release buckle, a cam buckle, a spring buckle, sewed onto a base for a tightening device, or the like.

In embodiments a front strap123can have an inner surface and an outer surface having a first end and a second end, where the inner surface and outer surface can be joined at a top portion, and a bottom portion. A front first clasp116can be removably connected to a front strap123by such as, for example, hook and loop fastener, rivet, screws and bolts, or the like. A front first clasp116can be removably connected to a first end of a front strap123. A front strap's123inner surface can contour itself to a compression plate's exterior surface118, and removably attach itself by such as, for example, hook and loop fastener, rivet, screws and bolts, or the like. A front's strap123second end can be removably attached to a front second clasp124by such as, for example, hook and loop fastener, rivet, screws and bolts, or the like. A front strap123can be such as, for example, 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, 3 inches, or the like in height. A front strap123can be such as, for example, 0.01 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.1 inch, 0.125 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.225 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.275 inches, 0.3 inches, or the like in width.

In embodiments a protective padding120can be removably attached onto a compression plate's118interior surface. A protective padding120can be configured to form to, or adjust to a subject's sternal protrusion and/or chest region. A protective padding120, and compression plate118can be surrounded by and/or enclosed by a cover122. In embodiments a cover122can be removable from a protective padding120, and a compression plate118. A cover122can have a front portion and a back portion joining at a top portion, and a bottom portion can be left open for a zipper140, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, lace, or the like that can enclose the bottom portion for easy removal of the cover from a protective padding120, compression plate118, and front strap123as shown inFIG. 8. In certain embodiments a cover122can be permanently attached to a protective padding120, a compression plate122, and front strap123. A cover122can be such as, for example, antimicrobial material, silver lined material, neoprene, thermal absorbing material, anti-migration material, or the like.

In embodiments a strap's102second end, second clasp130can be removably connected to a front strap's123second end's, front second clasp124by a strap connector132. In one embodiment a strap connector132can be removably connected to a second clasp130, and a front second clasp124by such as, for example, hook and loop fastener, rivet, bolts and nuts, or the like. In another embodiment a strap connector132can removably connect a front strap123, and a strap102directly without any clasps on the strap itself by such as, for example, hook and loop fastener, rivet, bolts and nuts, or the like. In yet another, embodiment a front strap123can be connected to a strap102by metal loop, a flat metal slide, a rounded metal slide, a clasp buckle, a side release buckle, a cam buckle, a spring buckle, sewed onto a base for a tightening device, or the like.

In embodiments an enclosure126can have an interior portion, and an exterior portion including one or more edges, such as, for example, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first outer edge, a second outer edge, a first inner edge, and a second inner edge that can form an enclosure. An enclosure126can surround all or a portion of a strap102over the entire length or portions of the strap such as, for example, an enclosure can surround at least 1 inch, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 10 inches, at least 15 inches, at least 20 inches, at least 25 inches, at least 30 inches, at least 35 inches, at least 40 inches, at least 45 inches, at least 50 inches, or the like. An enclosure126can surround all or a portion of a strap102over the entire length or portions of the straps such as, for example, an enclosure can surround at most 1 inch, at most 2 inches, at most 3 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 5 inches, at most 10 inches, at most 15 inches, at most 20 inches, at most 25 inches, at most 30 inches, at most 35 inches, at most 40 inches, at most 45 inches, at most 50 inches, or the like. In certain embodiments an enclosure126can include a bottom portion left open for a zipper, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, lace, or the like for easy removal of the enclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3andFIG. 4shows a general side view of a cinching device, and a general front view of a pectus carinatum device, in accordance to one, or more embodiments. In embodiments a cinching device112can be configured to accept one or more laces114. One or more laces114can be such as, for example, one lace, two laces, three laces, four laces, five laces, six laces, or the like. One or more laces114can be wire, polypropylene webbing, nylon webbing, metallic thread, wire thread, cord, or the like. One or more laces114can be removably attached to a compression plate118(not shown), or one or more laces can be configured to be removably attached to a lace receiver116. A lace receiver115can be a click receiver with rivet or screw hole, nylon pad, plastic pad with rivet or screw holes, hook and loop fastener material, or the like. In certain embodiments a lace receiver115can be removably attached to a first end of a compression plate118(not shown). In another embodiment a lace receiver116can be removably attached to a front first clasp116by a such as, for example, loop and hook fasteners, bolts and nuts, rivets, or the like.

In embodiments a cinching device112through one or more laces114can apply or release lateral tension to a pectus carinatum device during a subject's treatment, which can apply a compressive force to a subject's sternal protrusion of at least 0.25 psi, at least 0.5 psi, at least 0.75 psi, at least 1 psi, at least 1.25 psi, at least 1.5 psi, at least 1.75 psi, at least 2 psi, at least 2.25 psi, at least 2.5 psi, at least 2.75 psi, at least 3 psi, at least 3.5 psi, at least 4 psi, at least 4.5 psi, at least 5 psi, at least 5.5 psi, at least 6 psi, at least 6.5 psi, at least 7 psi, at least 7.5 psi, at least 8 psi, at least 8.5 psi, at least 9 psi, at least 9.5 psi, at least 10 psi, or the like. A cinching device112can apply or release lateral tension to a pectus carinatum device during a subject's treatment which can apply a compressive force to a subject's sternal protrusion of at most 0.25 psi, at most 0.5 psi, at most 0.75 psi, at most 1 psi, at most 1.25 psi, at most 1.5 psi, at most 1.75 psi, at most 2 psi, at most 2.25 psi, at most 2.5 psi, at most 2.75 psi, at most 3 psi, at most 3.5 psi, at most 4 psi, at most 4.5 psi, at most 5 psi, at most 5.5 psi, at most 6 psi, at most 6.5 psi, at most 7 psi, at most 7.5 psi, at most 8 psi, at most 8.5 psi, at most 9 psi, at most 9.5 psi, at most 10 psi, or the like.

In embodiments lateral tension can be applied or released to a pectus carinatum device100, and a compressive force can be applied or released to a subject's sternal protrusion in increments by a cinching device112through one or more laces114that can apply a compressive pressure in increments by a ratchet device or turning a closure system that clicks with each ratchet or turn, whereas one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 0.25 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 0.5 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 1 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 1.25 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 1.5 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 2 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 2.5 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 3 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 3.5 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 4 psi, or one ratchet or click with a cinching device can apply or release 4.5 psi, or the like.

In certain embodiments a strap102can have an elastic tensioning force that can be greater than the compressive force of a compression plate118that can give sufficient compression on a compression plate, which can allow a strap to stretch with a subject's body movement and/or breathing without releasing the compression plate's compressive force against the subject's sternal protrusion.

In embodiments an enclosure126can be configured to have anti-migration patches128attached to it which can be textured such as, for example, dots, lines, waves, or the like that protrude from the surface of the material that can allow blood to flow more easily around a pectus carinatum device100and through the subject's back. In certain embodiments an anti-migration patch can be silicon beads, Setex™, anti-slip material, or the like. In certain embodiments anti-migration patch can be configured to include a protective foam underneath the patch to provide a subject's back and sides with a foam barrier between a strap102and a anti-migration patch128. A protective foam can be plastazote, rubber, neoprene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, latex foam, polyurethane foam, memory foam, sorbothane foam, silicone, silicone sheets, urethane, viscos material, closed or open cell foams or the like. A anti-migration patch128can be substantially spaced along an interior portion of an enclosure126. In certain embodiments an anti-migration patch128can align the entire interior portion of an enclosure126. In other embodiments an anti-migration patch128can be evenly spaced in an interior portion of an enclosure126.

Referring toFIG. 5,FIG. 6, andFIG. 7, shows an interior view with a cover122not shown, a detailed view of a protection pad120, compression plate118, and front strap123, and one or more embodiments of a compression plate in accordance to one, or more embodiments. In embodiments a compression plate118can have a first end and a second end, and an interior and an exterior side. A compression plate's118interior surface can be a side that is closest to a subject's sternal protrusion. An exterior side can be the opposite side furthest from the subject's sternal protrusion. In one embodiment a dynamic compression plate202can have a first and a second end wherein the first end can gradually slope into a radius forming an arc sweeping back into the second end. In another embodiment a compression plate118can have a first and a second end wherein the first and the second end gradually slope into a vertex as shown at204. In yet another embodiment a dynamic compression plate can have a first and a second end wherein the first and second end gradually slopes into a flat surface as shown at206. A compression plate118is not limited to the embodiments shown inFIG. 7. A compression plate118can be formable, and customizable to fit any shape of a subject's sternal protrusion. A compression plate118can perform similar to a spring such that when tension is applied to a pectus carinatum device100the compression plate can be compressed against a subject's sternal protrusion, and when the tension is released a compression plate can return to its original shape.

In certain embodiments a compression plate118can be replaced with another compression plates with different material properties, and/or spring constant, and/or, modulus of elasticity to adjust to a subject's changing chest and/or torso growth, and/or load compression and/or pressure requirements. In certain embodiments an additional compression plate118can be added to a compression plate118to add a compressional force to a subject's sternal protrusion. In certain embodiments a compression plate118can be an adjustable spring such as, for example, a leaf spring, a compression spring, a coil spring, a wave spring, a torsion spring, a wire form spring, a tension spring, polypropylene formed spring, thermoformed material, flat plastics, carbon graphite, Lexeon, or the like. In certain embodiments, a pectus carinatum device100can include one or more compression plates118such as, for example, one plate, two plates, three plates, four plates, five plates, or the like. A compression plate118can be formed of a variety of materials such as, for example, metals, plastics, polymers, rubbers, carbon graphite, flexone, Lexeon, steels, or the like. In certain embodiments a compression plate118can creep over time, which can give a subject's sternal protrusion less compressional force. A compression plate118can resist creep by adding anti-creep material within the compression plate such as stiffeners, and/or adding and/or aligning material such as metal, plastics, and steels to support a compression plate.

In certain embodiments a compression plate118and protective padding can be formed and/or molded to fit a subject's sternal protrusion. In some embodiments a subject's carinatum can be so severe that a standard compression plate will not fit the subject's sternal protrusion, so a custom compression plate118and protective pad120can be formed and/or molded to fit the subject's sternal protrusion. In certain embodiments measurements can be taken of a subject's sternal protrusions and a custom compression plate118and protective pad120can formed and/or molded from the subject's sternal measurements.

In embodiments when tension is applied or released to a pectus carinatum device100a compressive force can be applied or released to a compression plate118that can be set in increments such as, for example, at least 0.25 psi, at least 0.5 psi, at least 0.75 psi, at least 1 psi, at least 1.25 psi, at least 1.5 psi, at least 1.75 psi, at least 2 psi, at least 2.25 psi, at least 2.5 psi, at least 2.75 psi, at least 3 psi, at least 3.5 psi, at least 4 psi, at least 4.5 psi, at least 5 psi, at least 5.5 psi, at least 6 psi, at least 6.5 psi, at least 7 psi, at least 7.5 psi, at least 8 psi, at least 8.5 psi, at least 9 psi, at least 9.5 psi, at least 10 psi, at least 11 psi, at least 12 psi, at least 13 psi, at least 14 psi, at least 15 psi, at least 16 psi, at least 17 psi, at least 18 psi, at least 19 psi, or the like.

In embodiments tension can be applied or released to a pectus carinatum device100a compressive force can be applied or released to a compression plate118that can be set in increments such as, for example, at most 0.25 psi, at most 0.5 psi, at most 0.75 psi, at most 1 psi, at most 1.25 psi, at most 1.5 psi, at most 1.75 psi, at most 2 psi, at most 2.25 psi, at most 2.5 psi, at most 2.75 psi, at most 3 psi, at most 3.5 psi, at most 4 psi, at most 4.5 psi, at most 5 psi, at most 5.5 psi, at most 6 psi, at most 6.5 psi, at most 7 psi, at most 7.5 psi, at most 8 psi, at most 8.5 psi, at most 9 psi, at most 9.5 psi, at most 10 psi, at most 11 psi, at most 12 psi, at most 13 psi, at most 14 psi, at most 15 psi, at most 16 psi, at most 17 psi, at most 18 psi, at most 19 psi, or the like. A compressive force can be set by a compression plate118by its modulus of elasticity, the angle of a first and a second end, and the amount of distance that can be displaced when the compression plate is compressed when tension is applied or released. In certain embodiments a strain gage, a load cell, a fiber optic sensor, or the like can be removably attached onto a compression plate's interior or exterior surface. A strain gage, load cell, fiber optic sensor, or the like may be configured to, and/or removably attached to a compression plate to measure a compressive load seen by a subject's sternal protrusion. In certain embodiments a compression plate can be a spring, and Hooke's law can be applied to set a compressive force.

In embodiments a compression plate118can be configured to have protective padding120removably attached to it. A protective padding120can be removably attached to a compression plate118by such as, for example, hook and loop fastener, bolt and nut, hot glue, or the like. Protective padding can be formed of a variety of materials such as, for example, plastic, plastazote, rubber, neoprene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, latex foam, polyurethane foam, memory foam, sorbothane foam, silicone, urethane, open or closed cell foams, viscous materials, silicone sheets, or the like. A protective padding120can form itself to a subject's sternal protrusion, and may be configured to extend across a compression plate's interior surface. In certain embodiments a protective padding's120exterior surface can be textured, or can have raised dots, raised lines, raised waves, raised squiggles, or the like to allow for blood to flow more easily through the subject's pressure area that can be created by a compression plate118and protective padding. In certain embodiments a protective padding120can be an air bladder, or a gel bladder.

Referring toFIG. 9, shows an additional embodiment of a cinching device of a pectus carinatum device, in accordance to one, or more embodiments. A cinching device302can be a ratchet strap system. In certain embodiments a webbing strap304can be removably connected to a ratchet302. A ratchet302can be removably connected to a ratchet connector306. A ratchet302, when not in use, can sit flush with a ratchet connector306so as to not irritate or get in the way of a subject's movement. A webbing strap304can be removably attached to a front clasp308.

Referring toFIG. 10andFIG. 11, shows a top view of an additional embodiment with a cinching device on both ends of a strap, and an interior view of an additional embodiment with a cinching device on both ends of a strap, in accordance to one, or more embodiments. In another embodiment of a pectus carinatum device400can have two cinching devices408,410configured to be removably attached to both ends of a strap402by a first clasp404and a second clasp406removably attached to a first and second end of a strap.

Referring toFIG. 12, illustrates a method500for applying compression to a pectus region of a subject using a pectus carinatum device. The operations of method500presented herein are intended to be illustrative. In certain embodiments, a method500can be accomplished by one or more additional operations not described, and/or in which the operations of method500are illustrated inFIG. 12and described herein is not intended to be limiting.

At step502, measuring a subject's thoracic region for proper fit of a pectus carinatum device, and cutting and/or adjusting a strap to accommodate the subject's thoracic region.

At step504, placing a pectus carinatum device around a subject's thorax region, which can be such as, for example, include one or more portions of a subject's anterior chest wall, sternum, anterior thorax, lateral thorax and posterior thorax regions. A pectus carinatum device can include a strap, front strap, a first clasp, a cinching device, one or more laces, a compression plate, protective padding, removable cover, a second clasp, an enclosure, and/or other features.

A step506, applying pressure to a subject's sternal protrusion by tightening or releasing a cinching device in increments. A predetermine pressure for correction can be applied to a subject's sternal protrusion by tightening or releasing a cinching device which can react on a compression plate keeping a dynamic compressive force on a subject's sternal protrusion.

At step508, adjusting and/or replacing a compression plate can be applied to a pectus carinatum device. Step508can be performed with a compression plate that can apply such as, for example a compressive force that is greater than the force being applied, or a compressive force that is less than the force being applied to adjust to a subject's pectus sternal correction requirements.

At step510, reading a compressive pressure from a strain gage, load cell, fiber optic gage, or other pressure reading device on a pectus carinatum device that is applied to subject's sternal protrusion in accordance to some embodiments. In some embodiments, step510can be performed as a pectus carinatum device is being applied cinched around a subject's sternal protrusion. A predetermined compressive force for a subject's sternal protrusion can be used and read with a strain gage, load cell, fiber optic gage, or other pressure reading device as the compressive force is being applied.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples are provided for illustrative purposes only in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments. These examples should not be construed to limit any of the embodiments described in the present specification including those pertaining to the method of correcting pectus carinatum.

Correcting A Subjects Sternal Protrusion

A child has pectus carinatum characterized by an abnormal overgrowth of the coastal cartilages, which can result in a sternal protrusion, and adjacent costal cartilages. Using Wolff s law, pressure can be place on the child's sternum gradually forming and shaping it into normal position. A pectus carinatum device can be fitted to a child with a pectus carinatum. A pectus carinatum device is place around a child and the pectus carinatum device is adjusted to fit the child's torso and chest size through the strap, and compression plate. A set pressure is determined for the child's sternal correction. The correct compression plate for the determined pressure is inserted into the pectus carinatum device, and the pectus carinatum device is placed onto the child. The pectus carinatum device is then tightened with the cinching device applying the necessary compressive force to the compression plate, which reacts on the child's sternal protrusion. Over time the pressure will need to be adjusted which can be done with the cinching device or the compression plate. The pectus carinatum device allows a dynamic compressive force against a sternal protrusion while allowing the child to move freely, play sports, and have unrestricted breathing. In addition, the pectus carinatum device is antimicrobial decreasing bacterial growth and reducing odor and each part is removable and washable in a normal cycle washing machine.