[Echocardiographic evaluation of funnel chest after surgical intervention]

An analysis of echocardiographic examination in 22 patients operated for funnel chest is presented. Patients were divided into two groups: group I--isolated anomaly, and group II--patients with coexistent other postural deformations. During the operation, rib's cartilages in the parasternal region were excised, sternum was cut transversally above the deformation and longitudinally across it, and than anterior thoracic wall was stabilized in the proper position with Kirschner's wires. Before and 6 months after surgery echocardiographic examinations were performed with systolic, diastolic and ejection volume indices calculation. marked haemodynamic improvement was noted with the increase of diastolic and ejection volume of both heart ventricles. Improvement was more evident in patients with severe deformations and with coexistent other postural anomalies.