Feasibility of using computer simulation to predict the postoperative outcome of the minimally invasive Nuss procedure: Simulation prediction vs. postoperative clinical observation

The Nuss procedure is the most minimally invasive and commonly used surgical correction for pectus excavatum (PE) by using a pre-bent pectus bar to elevate the deformed chest wall. However, there exist some complications such as postoperative pain as well as surgical uncertainties due to human judgement. It is therefore important to understand the biomechanical effect of the pectus bar on PE thoraces undergoing an operation to alleviate the postoperative pain as well as to improve surgical outcome.