Austin Anderson's Surgery
Aug. 1, 2003: The Surgery
Pectus Excavatum - Funnel Chest
This following web pages are provided for general information and progress
updates of
Austin's surgery and recovery for our many family members and friends.
Copyright © 2003 Austin Anderson
Family - All rights reserved
http://www.curtis.anderson.name/2003/austin/funnel/chest/surgery/updates/day1.htm
The photos below were taken during Austin's surgery by the
hospital staff and were given to us by Dr. Nuss shortly after the operation, probably
because I asked so many questions and had a digital camera around my neck at
all times. Little did he realize what I would do with the pictures, then again,
maybe he did know. I have always strongly believed in sharing
knowledge and with the current copyright laws, right to privacy, etc., on and
on, this is perhaps the best and quickest way to share with others this most
interesting procedure. Please view these photos and tell others about
them, but please leave them on our web site.
Copyright © 2003 Austin Anderson
Family - All rights reserved
Any and all comments are my own and not those of Dr. Nuss. My
remarks are what I recall in conversation and can be misleading or wrong.
A dark color solution is pored into the 'funnel' to aid in the positioning of
the bar(s).
The dark mark(s) are reactions to the medication used during surgery, not
bruises or cuts.
Austin needed two bars. The bars are positioned in this way to best plan the incisions.
This is the view from Austin's left side incision looking across his chest toward
his right side. The 'funnel' is pressing down on the heart located at the
bottom left of the photo ( dark portion of photo ) A rib bone passes
overhead.
The first bar, now flipped into position, allows the space for the heart to move
back where it should be normally.
Both bars now in place and the heart is in clear view.
Finish and clean up. The end result. Now to recovery.
General Information
Austin's Problem
Pre Exam / Scans / Dr. Nuss
Austin's Surgery