Table 2. Vacuum bell therapy—results part I.

	Values
When did you start VBT for PE?
Less than 1 year ago	13%
1 to 5 years ago	41%
6 to 10 years ago	28%
More than 10 years ago	18%
To which age group do you apply VBT?
Under the age of 10 years	59%
10 to 15 years of age	72%
16 to 20 years of age	33%
Older than 20 years of age	23%
Indication to apply VBT
Mild degree of PE	79.1%
Alternative to surgical repair	62.8%
Patient under the age of 10 years	58.15%
Pre-treatment before surgical repair	44.2%
Contra-indication to apply VBT
Coagulopathies	72.5%
Major cardiac malformations	60%
Marfan syndrome	32.5%
Previous cardiac surgery	30%
Skeletal disorders	27.5%
Diagnostic workup before starting VBT
Patient’s history	90%
Clinical examination	90%
Photo documentation	80%
Measurement of depth of PE	77.5%
Body weight/height	60% (each)
Echocardiography	50%
Assessment of negative pressure	40%
CT scan/MRI	35%
Measurement of depth of PE
Patient in upright position	52.4%
Patient in supine position	54.8%
Patient in expiration	31%
Patient in inspiration	19%
Diagnostic workup during VBT
Clinical examination	90%
Measurement of depth of PE	86%
Photo documentation	74%
Duration of daily application time	40.5%
Body weight/height	30% (each)

PE, pectus excavatum; VBT, vacuum bell therapy; CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.