FormaChest (Vacuum Bell) vs Pectus Up Surgery: An Honest Comparison (2026)

Last verified: August 2026. We date this page so you know how fresh it is.

Short answer: Pectus Up (by Ventura Medical Technologies) is a minimally invasive surgical technique. It lifts the sternum using an external traction device without entering the chest cavity, which makes it less invasive than the Nuss procedure, but it's still surgery, with anesthesia, a procedure to place it and a later procedure to remove it. The vacuum bell is non-surgical: an at-home device that works best on younger, flexible chests, for a few hundred dollars, with no anesthesia. For candidates who need a surgical correction, Pectus Up is a genuinely gentler option than traditional surgery; for milder or earlier cases, the vacuum bell is the non-surgical step worth trying first.

At a glance

Pectus Up details from venturamedicaltechnologies / pectusup.com, verified August 2026; the company does not publish pricing, so request a quote.

Credit where due: Pectus Up is gentler surgery

Pectus Up's real advantage is over other surgery. It corrects the sternum from outside the thoracic cavity, which the company associates with shorter operating time, less pain and faster recovery than the traditional Nuss approach. If you're a surgical candidate, that's a meaningful improvement worth discussing with a surgeon. But "less invasive surgery" is still surgery: anesthesia, an implanted traction system, and a second procedure to remove it later.

Where the vacuum bell fits

The vacuum bell isn't a competitor to surgery so much as the step before it. It's non-surgical, done at home, costs a few hundred dollars rather than a quoted surgical fee, and carries far lower risk. It works best on younger, more flexible chests, exactly the cases where families most want to avoid an operation. Trying the bell first doesn't remove Pectus Up or Nuss as later options if it isn't enough.

The decision, honestly

This comes down to severity and timing. Severe or rigid chests, or patients past the flexible window, may need a surgical solution, and Pectus Up is a strong, less-invasive one to raise with a surgeon. Milder cases, and younger patients while the cartilage is still flexible, have a non-surgical window that the vacuum bell is designed for. A physician should assess which category you're in.

Does the vacuum bell actually work?

For the right candidate, yes. Studied in 1,000+ patients across peer-reviewed research; a Basel cohort of ~140 showed significant improvement in roughly 80% of studied patients. Developed by Dr. Eckart Klobe in 2005; offered at major children's hospitals including Cincinnati Children's. Adult timelines 12–24 months; results vary. Confirm candidacy and severity with a physician.

Which should you choose?

Pectus Up if you're a surgical candidate who wants a less-invasive alternative to Nuss, on a surgeon's advice. The vacuum bell if the chest is still flexible and you want a non-surgical, low-cost, at-home first step.

Want to know if you're a candidate for the non-surgical route? Take the free 60-second assessment →

Frequently asked questions

Is Pectus Up surgery or a device?

It's a minimally invasive surgical technique using an external traction device that lifts the sternum without entering the chest cavity. It still involves anesthesia, placement and later removal.

How does the vacuum bell compare to Pectus Up?

The vacuum bell is non-surgical, at-home, and a few hundred dollars, best for flexible chests. Pectus Up is less-invasive surgery for candidates who need a surgical correction. Many families try the bell first.

Is the vacuum bell cheaper than Pectus Up?

Yes. A vacuum bell is $360–$390; Pectus Up is a quote-based surgical procedure costing substantially more.

Can I try the vacuum bell before considering Pectus Up?

For appropriate candidates, yes. The bell is a non-surgical first step and doesn't rule out surgery later. Confirm with a physician.

This article is for education, not medical advice. Pectus excavatum should be evaluated by a qualified physician, who can advise whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is appropriate. Vacuum-bell therapy was developed by Dr. Eckart Klobe; FormaChest is a wellness device brand operated by AUGUMENTUM SRL.