Magnetic Mini-Mover Procedure versus Vacuum Bell for Treatment of Pectus Excavatum in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trail

Background: Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common congenital anterior chest wall deformity and characterized by posterior depression of the sternum and costal cartilages, often leading to functional impairment and significant psychosocial distress in affected children and adolescents. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of magnetic mini-mover procedure versus vacuum bell for treatment of pectus excavatum in children. Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial was carried out on 52 patients with PE and Haller index (HI) ≥3.2 and ≤5.0. Patients were equally assigned into two groups: magnetic mini-mover group and vacuum bell group. Results: While both techniques led to significant improvements in chest wall depression, HI, and pulmonary function; Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second )FEV₁), and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), with P value <0.001, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the extent of change. In the magnetic mini-mover group, the most common issues were skin irritation and magnet-related discomfort (each reported in 7.69% of patients), along with one case of cable breakage. In the vacuum bell group, subcutaneous hematoma was the most frequent complication (11.54%), followed by erythema (7.69%) and mild paresthesia (3.85%). Most patients in both groups reported being either satisfied or very satisfied (80.77% in the magnetic mini-mover group vs. 69.24% in the vacuum bell group) with no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Both magnetic mini-mover procedure and vacuum bell therapy modalities represent effective, safe, and less invasive alternatives to surgical correction.