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b'A surgical procedure can correct a birth defect called pectus excavatum, in which a person\'s breastbone is sunken into his or her chest. A surgical procedure can correct a birth defect called pectus excavatum, in which a person\'s breastbone is sunken into his or her chest. Jason Wallen, MD Jason Wallen, MD, left, chief of thoracic surgery at Upstate, explains how a steel bar is inserted between the breastbone, or sternum, and the heart and left in place for two to three years. The condition is suspected to be genetic, affecting how the cartilage and bone form where the ribs meet the sternum., left, chief of thoracic surgery at Upstate, explains how a steel bar is inserted between the breastbone, or sternum, and the heart and left in place for two to three years. The condition is suspected to be genetic, affecting how the cartilage and bone form where the ribs meet the sternum.'