Hope for Tomorrow

The Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is the first national multidisciplinary program devoted solely to the treatment and research of thoracic insufficiency syndrome.

The center is led by Robert M. Campbell Jr., MD, a physician, surgeon and inventor of the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR), a device that has revolutionized the care of children with spine disorders and restricted lung growth. VEPTR surgery offers these children something unheard of 20 years ago: a future.

Why Choose Us

Welcome to the Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the first national multidisciplinary program devoted solely to the treatment and research of thoracic insufficiency syndrome.

Children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome cannot support normal breathing or lung growth. As they grow, their rib cage and spine do not keep pace. As a result, their chest wall becomes deformed or sunken and the children must rely on nasal oxygen or ventilator support to breathe.

Changing the Course of Care

A generation ago, outcomes for these children were bleak. But today, thanks to the research and innovation from our Center’s multidisciplinary team, we can offer hope to children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome and their families.

Our team considers all possible treatment options for children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, but the most commonly used treatment is the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR), a device that expands a child’s chest, stabilizes spine curvatures and is lengthened with periodic outpatient expansions to keep up with the growth of the child.

Multidisciplinary Team

Our core team of pediatric orthopaedists, general surgeons, pulmonologists, advanced practice nurses and other experts provide complete care for children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome — from our unique multidisciplinary evaluation system to implant surgery, expansion surgeries and long-term supportive follow-up.

For more information, see why choose us.

Straight Talk: Scoliosis and Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome

Dr. Campbell talks about the treatment of scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome.
Watch the video »

No. 1 in Orthopaedics

The Division of Orthopaedics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was ranked best in the nation in U.S.News & World Report’s survey of Best Children’s Hospitals for 2012-13. Learn why CHOP was ranked No. 1 in more pediatric specialties than any other
hospital »

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Main Number: 215-590-1000
Physician Referral Service: 1-800-879-2467
Coordinates: 39.9486937, -75.1929596
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or veteran status.