Ravitch Procedure

While the Ravitch procedure is done very seldom these days, it may be required for older patients with the chest deformity, pectus excavatum. Pectus excavatum is a defect in which the cartilage that holds the ribs to the breastbone is abnormal, causing the chest to look sunken or caved in.

Pectus excavatum often causes difficulty with exercise and physical activities due to breathing problems, fatigue, chest pain, rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations and frequent respiratory infections. Depending on the severity of the deformity symptoms can range from mild to severe. Beyond the health complications, this deformity can cause issues with self-esteem due to the appearance of the chest. For these reasons, Dr Schewitz may suggest corrective surgery.