Operative fetoscopy via telesurgery

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Oct;20(4):390-1. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2002.00809.x.

Abstract

We describe a case in which telesurgical consultation from Tampa, Florida, USA was used to accomplish operative fetoscopy in Santiago, Chile for the treatment of a twin pregnancy involving an acardiac twin. The procedure was successful and a healthy infant was delivered at 37.5 weeks. Operative fetoscopy, a surgical approach to correct birth defects in utero via combined ultrasound and endoscopy, is only available in a handful of centers worldwide. Telesurgery makes use of telecommunication to allow a surgeon at a primary operating site to consult with another experienced surgeon for complex surgical cases. This case illustrates the potential for ultrasound and telesurgery to expand the horizons of operative fetoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetal Heart / abnormalities*
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / surgery*
  • Fetoscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Telemedicine*
  • Twins, Monozygotic
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*
  • Umbilical Arteries / embryology
  • Umbilical Arteries / surgery
  • Umbilical Veins / embryology
  • Umbilical Veins / surgery