What is the VEPTR device?

The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital was among the first in the nation to offer groundbreaking VEPTR therapy to children with severe scoliosis, thoracic insufficiency or spinal anomalies. Our multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons and pulmonologists-all of whom specialize exclusively in the care of children-bring expertise, experience and leading edge care to the treatment of children with these conditions. Learn more at www.mottchildren.org.

[@Legshipsandbody]

I had surgery hear and my mom and dad work at the Mott foundation Relatable I had scoliosis and had to get an MRI and got a back brace but then my curve got so big I had to get surgery I was nervous so I went to pre-op and the it came time and I had to get up real early so a few weeks ago I had my surgery doing great

[@caseyflaim1655]

So, TIS is scoliosis and chest wall deformity in a nutshell, am I correct? I'm pretty sure that's what she said in the video if you actually watched it. The Physician explains that the device is implanted in children with scoliosis AND chest wall deformity, not just scoliosis. Now, if she had just a spine to rib device maybe your statement would make sense. The surgeon in this video is a ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, so of course shes going to explain what SHE does, not anyone else. She is explaining it from the orthopedic stand point, elaborating on what she does for the VEPTR surgery and what treatment comes after. VEPTR requires a whole TEAM of physicians and clinical staff and this is only her description of what her job is during this procedure. The statement made "usually consists of a rib to rib or rib to spine" is because that is the most common type of VEPTR procedure. I don't know what hospital you would go to but I wouldn't even have someone bring my corpse to any hospital but University of Michigan. There is a reason we see people from all over the country because we are the leaders and the best.

[@Vanessa-xt5vl]

I feel that this information may be inaccurate and misleading. To start, VEPTR stands for VERTICAL Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, NOT Vertebral. It was developed 25 years ago at the Children's Hospital of San Antonio, formally known as Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital. The VEPTR device is used for treatment of Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS), NOT for treatment of scoliosis. While some children with scoliosis may develop TIS, the VEPTR device is not intended for treatment of scoliosis itself. It is used to increase thoracic volume necessary for respiration. Respiration and lung growth is the primary purpose of this procedure. Furthermore, VEPTR treatment does not "usually consist of" a rib-to-spine and a rib-to-rib device. The decision to implant a rib-to-rib, rib-to-spine, or rib-to-pelvis is based on the child's individual needs. A thoracotomy or open-wedge procedure is not always warranted. I would encourage anyone considering this procedure to do their research, make sure this procedure is appropriate and necessary for their child, and make sure you are receiving the BEST care from the most experienced VEPTR team. Preferably a team who knows what VEPTR stands for.

[@traceylee1788]

Scoliosis is a by product of TIS. One is present due to the other. This device saved my daughter and I will always be grateful that she was helped by dr. Campbell and dr Smith!

[@caseyflaim1655]

And what makes you think just because something was created for one purpose doesn't mean it cannot be used for another?