Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome

Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS) is when the growth of the lung is restricted by deformities in the rib and spine. In the child’s body, the thorax is located between the neck and abdomen. This includes the spine, ribs, and sternum. Most kids with this condition are diagnosed with scoliosis as babies. Many kids also undergo surgery to combat this before they turn 5 years old!

This surgical procedure uses vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) to help treat kids with TIS. VEPTR is a titanium rod that's made to grow with the child. This specifically helps with TIS because it helps create a strong wall for the chest and gives space for the lungs to grow properly. Other treatments, like spinal fusions, can mitigate the issue but may cause the child to stop growing or lead to other health problems.

To prepare for this surgery, the child will need to take lots of tests. This includes blood tests, imaging scans, and possibly pulmonary function tests. After the tests, the  surgeon who matches and understands the child’s medical plans must be found. The surgeon will set goals that the child needs to hit prior to surgery. The child’s parents must ensure they maintain proper communication with the surgeon. 

The surgery begins with the first incision on the back. After these cuts are made, the surgeon will place the VEPTR through the opening on the spine, pelvis, or ribs using hooks. Depending on the child’s age and how fast they grow, the surgeon may need to expand the VEPTR. The surgery typically takes a couple of hours. After the surgery, the child is placed in a recovery room and watched carefully. 

Post-operation care is most important at this point. The nurses will check for infection, give medication, and help the child start walking again. Children with breathing difficulties might need extra oxygen to help support their lungs. 6-12 months after surgery, check-ups are conducted to make sure the device is working correctly and that no complications occurred during surgery. This device has changed lives for children who have thoracic insufficiency syndrome and continues to do so, especially as developing technology emerges and improves everyday.

Written by Hadlie Darke-Schreiber at Incisionary

APA References

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Thoracic insufficiency syndrome. CHOP. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/thoracic-insufficiency-syndrome

DePuy Synthes Spine. (2014, December). Thoracic insufficiency syndrome solution upgraded from HDE to 510(k) cleared. MedLatest. https://www.medlatest.com/companies/depuy-companies/thoracic-insufficiency-syndrome-solution-upgraded-hde-510k-cleared/

Treating Scoliosis. (2024). Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) guide. TreatingScoliosis.com. Retrieved from https://treatingscoliosis.com/blog/vertical-expandable-prosthetic-titanium-rib-veptr-guide/

Vieira, F. (n.d.). VEPTR – Cirurgia da coluna. Clínica Vieira. https://www.drfabiovieira.com.br/tci-veptr.html