Welcome to the Center of Excellence for Pectus
Expert Nuss Procedure and Pectus Care for Children, Teens and Adults
"Over 1,500 Nuss Procedures performed by Dr. Barry LoSasso, one of the nation's most experienced pectus surgeons."
The Center of Excellence for Pectus is a leading specialty center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and other chest wall deformities. Under the direction of Dr. Barry LoSasso, our team provides expert surgical care using advanced techniques, including the minimally invasive Nuss Procedure.
Founded in 2005, our center has helped patients from across the United States achieve improved chest wall function, appearance, and quality of life. Dr. LoSasso has performed more than 1,500 Nuss Procedures and has treated children, adolescents, and adults since 1999. Having trained directly with Dr. Donald Nuss, the developer of the procedure, he brings decades of specialized experience to every patient evaluation and operation.
Why Patients Choose Our Center
Unmatched Experience
More than two decades of dedicated pectus care and over 1,500 Nuss Procedures performed.
Comprehensive Pectus Expertise
Evaluation and treatment of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, recurrent deformities, and complex chest wall conditions.
Multidisciplinary Care
Collaboration with experienced anesthesiologists, pain management specialists, physical therapists, and nursing staff to support every stage of treatment and recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every patient receives a thorough evaluation and an individualized care plan based on their anatomy, symptoms, and goals.
Advanced Surgical Care
State-of-the-art facilities and proven surgical techniques focused on safety, comfort, and long-term outcomes.
Conditions We Treat
Pectus Excavatum (sunken chest)
Pectus Carinatum (protruding chest)
Recurrent or complex chest wall deformities
Functional and cosmetic concerns related to chest wall shape
Serving Children, Adolescents, and Adults
We care for patients ages 10 through adulthood, helping individuals who seek improvement in physical symptoms, appearance, self-confidence, or overall quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation
Patients may be referred by their physician or may contact us directly. Our team will guide you through the evaluation process, imaging requirements, insurance coordination, and surgical planning to ensure a smooth and informed experience.
Dr. Barry LoSasso
About Dr. Barry LoSasso
Dr. Barry LoSasso is one of the nation's most experienced surgeons in the treatment of pectus excavatum and other chest wall deformities. He is board-certified in both adult and pediatric general surgery and has dedicated much of his career to advancing the care of children, adolescents, and adults with chest wall conditions.
A native of New York City, Dr. LoSasso earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his pediatric surgery fellowship at Babies Hospital of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, where he developed the specialized expertise that would become the foundation of his career.
Since 1999, Dr. LoSasso has directed nationally recognized Centers of Excellence for chest wall deformities, first in California and, since 2016, in Bergen County, New Jersey. He has performed more than 1,500 minimally invasive Nuss Procedures for the correction of pectus excavatum in patients ranging from 10 to 55 years of age.
Dr. LoSasso trained directly with Dr. Donald Nuss, the pioneering surgeon who developed the Nuss Procedure, at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. Building on that training, he established and refined his own highly successful pectus program, helping patients from across the United States achieve outstanding functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Recognized by colleagues and patients alike for his expertise and commitment to innovation, Dr. LoSasso has played an important role in improving surgical techniques, patient safety, pain management, and recovery protocols for chest wall reconstruction.
Dr. LoSasso performs the Nuss Procedure and other advanced chest wall surgeries at The Valley Hospital, one of New Jersey's premier medical centers. He also provides pediatric and general surgical care at Hackensack University Medical Center, Englewood Hospital Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, and St. Joseph's University Medical Center.
His approach combines technical excellence with compassionate, individualized care—ensuring that every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation, a personalized treatment plan, and dedicated support throughout their surgical journey.
Am I a Candidate for the Nuss Procedure?
The ideal age for the Nuss Procedure is typically between 13 and 16 years, when the chest wall is still developing and can be reshaped more easily. However, age alone does not determine candidacy. Dr. Barry LoSasso has successfully treated adolescents and adults, including patients in their 50s, with excellent outcomes.
If you have pectus excavatum and are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, fatigue, or concerns about the appearance of your chest, a consultation can help determine whether your condition is affecting your health and whether treatment may be beneficial.
Understanding the Haller Index
The Haller Index is one of the most commonly used measurements for determining the severity of pectus excavatum. It is calculated from a CT scan or other imaging study and compares the width of the chest to the depth of the chest depression.
A normal chest typically has a Haller Index between 2.0 and 2.5. A measurement of approximately 3.25 or greater is generally considered severe enough to warrant consideration for surgical correction. The higher the Haller Index, the more significant the chest wall deformity.
Dr. LoSasso has successfully treated patients with some of the most severe deformities reported, including Haller Index measurements greater than 20. During your evaluation, appropriate imaging studies will be obtained to accurately assess the severity of your condition and help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Pain Management and Recovery
One of the most common concerns patients have about the Nuss Procedure is postoperative pain. Advances in surgical technique, anesthesia, and pain management have significantly improved the recovery experience for patients undergoing chest wall reconstruction.
At The Valley Hospital, Dr. LoSasso works closely with a specialized pain management team to provide comprehensive, individualized care before, during, and after surgery. Multiple pain-control strategies are utilized throughout the surgical process to maximize comfort, promote early mobility, and support recovery.
Most patients find that their discomfort is well-controlled through our comprehensive pain-management program and are often pleasantly surprised by their recovery experience. Our team remains actively involved throughout the recovery process, providing ongoing guidance and support to help patients safely return to normal activities and achieve the best possible outcome.
“Dr. LoSasso and his team were excellent! From scheduling, to financial, to the actual surgery. We came from out of state to correct my son's Pectus, and they were very accommodating with getting things done quickly so we could be home in time for Christmas. The surgery went smoothly, and we have not encountered any issues. Dr. LoSasso and Allison were very thorough and took the time to answer all our questions. Thank you for everything!”
NICOLE COLLINS