This post is sponsored by HCA HealthONE.
Caitlin Lovelace has always been on the move. As a dedicated cross-country runner with endless energy, slowing down has never really been her thing.
Diagnosed with pectus excavatum (PE) at just two years old, Caitlin’s journey had been years in the making.
PE often called “sunken chest,” occurs when the ribs grow inward toward the sternum, causing the breastbone to sink. For active kids like Caitlin — who love to run and push their endurance — it can sometimes lead to chest or back pain, shortness of breath, and decreased stamina.
“We monitored her symptoms and growth over time, waiting until it became clear that surgery was the right next step,” said Caitlin’s mom.
So when it came time for surgery, her family didn’t hesitate to go the distance — traveling from Casper, Wyoming to Denver, nearly five hours from home, to receive care at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s.
“Caitlin had a severe PE, which causes a significant depression of the sternum and can compress both the heart and lungs,” said Dr. Steve Rothenberg, board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric surgeon at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s. “Beyond the physical effects, it can also impact how kids feel about their bodies, especially during these important growing years.”
On December 18, Caitlin underwent surgery to repair her chest. Her care team used a minimally invasive approach called the Nuss procedure, which gently lifts the sternum to restore a more typical chest shape.
“It’s an incredible advancement,” said Dr. Rothenberg. “We’re able to correct the chest wall in a way that’s much less invasive, helping kids recover more comfortably and get back to their lives sooner.”
Part of what made Caitlin’s recovery so smooth was the use of cryoablation — an advanced pain management technique that temporarily “pauses” the nerves responsible for sending pain signals. By using cold therapy during surgery, her team was able to provide long-lasting relief.
The result? Caitlin experienced very little discomfort and didn’t need any narcotic pain medication during her recovery.
“One of the biggest challenges with this procedure has traditionally been post-operative pain. In Caitlin’s case, we used cryoablation to freeze the intercostal nerves on both sides of the chest, which effectively numbs the area for about three months,” said Dr. Rothenberg. “This technique dramatically reduces post-operative pain and allows patients to recover much more comfortably. As a result of the cryoablation, Caitlin was able to go home on the first post-operative day.”
She spent about 10 days resting at home and was back at school just two weeks later, something that meant everything to a teen who’s used to being active and on the go.
“She had an excellent repair with a normal-looking chest and was able to return to non-strenuous activities much sooner than we typically see,” said Dr. Rothenberg.
For Caitlin’s family, though, it wasn’t just the medical care that stood out – it was how they felt every step of the way.
“From the moment we walked in until we left, we felt like we were the only patients there,” her mom shared. “The care was seamless. We felt so cared for, it truly felt like a home away from home, especially during the holiday season.”
Even the smallest moments made a lasting impact. During a stressful IV placement, a visit from Posey, the hospital’s beloved therapy dog, brought comfort, calm, and a much-needed smile.
Today, Caitlin is already getting back to the life she loves — running, moving, and doing what she does best supported by a care team that brought together advanced medicine and truly compassionate care.
Pediatric Surgery in Denver
We understand that children aren’t just small adults. At HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s, we strive to create a family friendly atmosphere to make you and your child as comfortable as possible. Our pediatric surgical care includes fetal and neonatal surgical care, pediatric minimally invasive and pediatric robotic surgery. Our multidisciplinary team includes pediatric surgeons, pediatric radiologists, pediatric nurses, and pediatric anesthesiologists — all who understand the special requirements of newborns, infants, children and teens.
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