Aligna
Nonprofit Organization

A Better Fit.
A Better Approach.

Customized medical-device solutions for children with pectus deformities. Because sometimes the answer isn't another standard device. It's designing one that works for the child.

Our Story How We Can Help
Medical innovation and prototype design

Why Aligna Exists

Our Story

Aligna began with my little brother. He had a combination of chest-wall abnormalities, including asymmetry, rib flaring (often described as angel wings), and pectus excavatum.

The standard vacuum-bell device he was prescribed simply would not stay in place. His anatomy made it difficult to maintain a consistent seal, and treatment became prolonged and frustrating without meaningful progress.

Rather than accept that the available device was the only option, I decided to design something that addressed his specific needs.

"We started Aligna because one child needed a better solution. We believe other families deserve the same willingness to think differently."

Through engineering, 3D modeling, prototyping, and refinement, I developed a customized device designed around his anatomy and the combination of issues he presented with.

The experience changed how I thought about medical devices. Sometimes a treatment doesn't need to be abandoned. Sometimes the device itself needs to be rethought.

The Problem

Every Anatomy Is Different

Pectus Excavatum

An inward depression of the chest.

Pectus Carinatum

An outward protrusion of the chest.

Asymmetric Pectus

Differences in the shape or position of the chest wall between the two sides.

Mixed Pectus

A combination of different chest-wall abnormalities.

Children can present with combinations of these conditions, making standardized devices difficult to accommodate in some cases. Approximately 1 in 400 children are born with a pectus deformity, representing a significant number of families navigating these challenges.

A device designed for a typical presentation may not work for a child with a more complex anatomical presentation. Individual needs deserve individual consideration.

Our Approach

Designed Around the Child

Listen & Understand

Every solution begins by understanding the child's specific anatomy and the family's experience with the existing device or treatment.

Design & Customize

We use engineering, 3D modeling, and prototyping to explore modifications and customized device designs that address individual needs.

Refine & Improve

We believe small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. We welcome opportunities to improve comfort, fit, positioning, and overall device usability.

Sometimes It's the Little Things That Matter.

Not every family needs an entirely new device. Sometimes a small adjustment can make an existing device more comfortable, improve its fit, or make it easier to use.

Maybe something slips. Maybe the fit isn't quite right. Maybe a component causes discomfort, or there's a simple modification you've wished was possible.

We want to hear about it.

If there's something about your child's device that you wish worked better, please contact us. No concern is too small to bring to our attention.

At Aligna, we believe innovation starts by listening. If there's a problem, we'd love to see if we can help.

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Please note: Contacting Aligna does not guarantee that a modification can be made, but every inquiry will be carefully considered.

Our Mission

A Small Idea. A Bigger Purpose.

Aligna is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing customized medical-device solutions for children with pectus deformities.

What began as an effort to help one child has grown into a mission to help other families find solutions when existing devices don't meet their needs.

We want to make individualized design, engineering, and device innovation more accessible to families who might otherwise have nowhere to turn.

Whether that means developing a customized device or exploring a simple modification, our goal is to approach each challenge with creativity, compassion, and a willingness to help.

Ways to Get Involved

  •
    Families: Share your experience or request assistance.
  • Donors: Help support customized device development.
  • Medical Professionals: Connect with us about collaboration.
  • Engineers and Innovators: Contribute your knowledge and ideas.

Have a Device Problem? Let's Talk.

Whether you're looking for a customized solution, need help with an existing device, or simply have an idea you'd like to explore, we'd love to hear from you.