ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the reconstructive operative procedures of funnel chest with "sternum-costicartilage" flap carried by the abdominal rectus pedicle.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) In accordance with the lesioned area of funnel-like depressed deformity of anterior thoracic wall, a perpendicular median incision was designed and made; (2) The "sternum-costicartilage" flap carrying the abdominal rectus pedicle was used and reversed and transplanted to reconstruct severe funnel chest deformity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The procedure was used in 7 cases from 1999 to 2005. The results of surgery were satisfactory. There were no recurrence after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The procedure reported here is rather safe, solid and sound with good therapeutic results, and is of great value in clinical practice.</p>