Synthes Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib

Content Contributor

The VEPTR was designed in 1994 and FDA approved in 2004 to treat children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, a congenital condition where severe deformities of the chest, spine and ribs prevent normal breathing, lung growth and lung development. This device is a curved metal rod that is surgically attached to a child’s ribs, spine or pelvis using hooks on both ends of the device. The VEPTR helps straighten the child’s spine and separate ribs so their lungs can grow and expand as the child grows.

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