Hi Amina,

I'm not exactly sure how to answer your question.  The VEPTR devices are adjustable rods made by Synthes Corp.  There is basically two types of rods - one that attaches to the lower spine or pelvis and an upper rib to support the spine, and another that attaches to the ribs (top and bottom) to keep the chest expanded.  There are two different designs of the chestwall rods - the VEPTR2 has multiple attachment sites, while the original VEPTR attaches to a single rib.  There are some physicians in the country using growing-type rods made by different manufacturers and modifying them to be attached to the child's body similarly to the VEPTR rods.  Many orthos are moving away from using the growing rods in the traditional method (attached close along the spine).  I do not know what (if any) differences there are in Canada.  HTH