Children and adolescents with spine and chest wall deformities that affect normal breathing can find world-class care and lifesaving treatment at the Wyss/Campbell Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

CHOP’s pioneering surgeons and multidisciplinary team provide patients and families with a range of treatment options, all customized to each patient’s individual and specific needs.

CHOP offers the only Federal Drug Administration-approved treatment for thoracic insufficiency syndrome: the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR). The VEPTR was designed by the late Robert M. Campbell Jr., past director of the center, and manufactured by Hansjorg Wyss, a philanthropist and businessman who saw the device’s lifesaving potential. Today, the center is named in their honor.

When making decisions about your child’s treatment and care team, consider the following:

Cross-specialty expertise matters

The Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome is the first multidisciplinary program in the nation devoted solely to the treatment of thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS), a rare and complex syndrome caused by progressive scoliosis and severe rib fusion, or a variety of genetic conditions that affect the spine, rib cage and chest wall.

The center has the backing of two world-renowned pediatric specialty programs: The Orthopedic Center and the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. Both specialties are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals. See rankings for 2024-25.

TIS assessment and treatment are not one-size-fits-all

Though thoracic insufficiency syndrome is most often caused by progressive scoliosis and severe rib fusion or a congenital syndrome, every child’s condition is unique. We provide a comprehensive evaluation using the latest diagnostic technologies to see how your child’s TIS affects the air supply to their lungs.

Consultations with other specialists – from pulmonology, general surgery, orthopedics, genetics and others – are included as needed. Once testing is complete, a multidisciplinary team meets to decide which treatment option will provide your child with the best outcome and quality of life. Treatment may include VEPTR, traditional growing rods, magnetic growing rods and bracing, among others.

Patients followed through our center can be seen at several convenient locations through CHOP’s Care Network, though most surgeries are performed at our Philadelphia Campus.

Our nurse program manager and nurse navigator help guide you along the way

Our two resource nurses help families schedule appointments, get necessary referrals and approvals from primary doctors and insurance companies, and help guide your family through your child’s evaluation, treatment and follow-up care. Have a question? Contact us online today.

Support by CHOP for a smooth transition and care into adulthood as needed

For children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome, long-term follow-up care is crucial to their continued health. While VEPTRs and growing rods will no longer need to be lengthened after skeletal maturity, there are occasionally challenges related to equipment damage or infection. Patients will always have a home at CHOP and a caring, experienced team to address any concerns as they get older.