Introduction:
Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity. The minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is the most commonly practiced method of surgical treatment and there is concern that the pectus bar will prevent effective CPR. There are no recorded cases of successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation with pectus bars in place.
Presentation of case:
A 17-year-old male with pectus excavatum underwent MIRPE. Two years later, he experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and underwent successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the field with a pectus bar in place.
Discussion:
Successful CPR is possible after MIRPE. Clear identification of patients who have undergone MIRPE and education of CPR providers in providing effective chest compressions and defibrillation for this patient population is necessary.
Conclusion:
This is the first documented case of successful CPR in a patient with a pectus bar in place who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.