Objective: The study was undertaken to assess how a surgical correction of funnel chest modifies right ventricular structure and function.
Methods: Before and 6 months after surgery in 42 patients (27 male and 15 female patients, aged 5-31 years), a pectus index was calculated and echocardiographic examinations of the right ventricle were performed, with calculation of systolic, diastolic, and stroke volume indices. Right ventricular volume was estimated by subtracting the left ventricular volume from that of the entire heart. The values of the right ventricular volumes and the pectus index before and after the operation, as well as the changes in the indices, were compared.
Results: Statistically significant changes in the pectus index and the right ventricular volume indices after surgery were noted. No correlation was observed between the changes in the pectus index and the changes in any right ventricular volume indices.
Conclusion: Surgical treatment of funnel chest causes an increase in right ventricular systolic, diastolic, and stroke volumes, although there is no correlation between these changes and the degree of sternocostal elevation.