PhD defence R.J. (Ryan) Billar

Brief summary of the doctoral thesis:

This thesis explores the potential genetic factors contributing to the development of pectus excavatum (PE). We found that a positive family history of pectus excavatum, congenital cardiac anomalies, genetic disorders, or first presentation of PE <10 years of age increase the likelihood of a genetic variant being present in patients with pectus excavatum. With this information we made a clinical tool for identifying PE patients who may benefit from a genetic consultation In addition, this thesis investigates the functional outcomes of PE patients who have undergone surgical correction through the Nuss procedure. We found no changes in functional cardiopulmonary measurements in patients with PE after the Nuss procedure. Furthermore, this thesis investigates the impact of music interventions, not only in this particular patient group but also in the context of other thoracic surgical procedures and among healthy test subjects. We found that music can significantly reduce anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.