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Vol 86, No 4 (2015)
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Fetal cardiac interventions – are we ready for them?

Marzena Dębska, Joanna Szymkiewicz-Dangel, Adam Koleśnik, Piotr Kretowicz, Beata Rebizant, Jacek Witwicki, Romuald Dębski
DOI: 10.17772/gp/2074
·
Ginekol Pol 2015;86(4).

open access

Vol 86, No 4 (2015)
ARTICLES

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze types and methods of intrauterine fetal cardiac interventions performed between June 2011 and December 2013, and to assess the perinatal management of the neonates. Methods: The program was developed after analysis of the available literature, practical individual training in Linz, Austria, and simulation of the procedure in a dissecting-room. The rules for anesthesia in pregnant women and their fetuses were developed. The interventions were performed in fetuses with critical cardiac defects, in the operating room, under ultrasonographic control. The protocol was approved by the Local Bioethics Committee at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education. Material: We included fetuses with critical aortic stenosis (n=29), critical pulmonary stenosis (n=2), and closed or extremely restricted foramen ovale (n=7). Between June 2011 and December 2013, the team comprised of JD, MD and AK conducted 42 interventions in 35 fetuses, including 32 balloon aortic valvuloplasties (in 29 fetuses), 2 pulmonary valvuloplasties, 4 balloon atrial septostomies and 4 atrial septal stent placement. Three fetuses required both, aortic valvuloplasty and fenestration of the atrial septum. Results: Out of the 42 procedures, 41 (97%) were technically successful. We recorded 3 cases of fetal demise associated with the intervention. We modulated the protocol of anesthesia given to pregnant women, switching from general to local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. We always provided additional fetal anesthesia with fentanyl and atracurium via the umbilical vein. Conclusions: Based on our 2.5-year experience, it seems safe to conclude that all types of fetal cardiac interventions may be successfully conducted at Polish centers. The procedures are safe for the pregnant women and improve fetal status. Most of the neonates treated

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze types and methods of intrauterine fetal cardiac interventions performed between June 2011 and December 2013, and to assess the perinatal management of the neonates. Methods: The program was developed after analysis of the available literature, practical individual training in Linz, Austria, and simulation of the procedure in a dissecting-room. The rules for anesthesia in pregnant women and their fetuses were developed. The interventions were performed in fetuses with critical cardiac defects, in the operating room, under ultrasonographic control. The protocol was approved by the Local Bioethics Committee at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education. Material: We included fetuses with critical aortic stenosis (n=29), critical pulmonary stenosis (n=2), and closed or extremely restricted foramen ovale (n=7). Between June 2011 and December 2013, the team comprised of JD, MD and AK conducted 42 interventions in 35 fetuses, including 32 balloon aortic valvuloplasties (in 29 fetuses), 2 pulmonary valvuloplasties, 4 balloon atrial septostomies and 4 atrial septal stent placement. Three fetuses required both, aortic valvuloplasty and fenestration of the atrial septum. Results: Out of the 42 procedures, 41 (97%) were technically successful. We recorded 3 cases of fetal demise associated with the intervention. We modulated the protocol of anesthesia given to pregnant women, switching from general to local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. We always provided additional fetal anesthesia with fentanyl and atracurium via the umbilical vein. Conclusions: Based on our 2.5-year experience, it seems safe to conclude that all types of fetal cardiac interventions may be successfully conducted at Polish centers. The procedures are safe for the pregnant women and improve fetal status. Most of the neonates treated
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Keywords

fetal cardiac interventions / prenatal balloon valvuloplasty / / interatrial stent / fetal echocardiography / aortic stenosis / / pulmonary stenosis

About this article
Title

Fetal cardiac interventions – are we ready for them?

Journal

Ginekologia Polska

Issue

Vol 86, No 4 (2015)

Page views

884

Article views/downloads

2541

DOI

10.17772/gp/2074

Bibliographic record

Ginekol Pol 2015;86(4).

Keywords

fetal cardiac interventions / prenatal balloon valvuloplasty / / interatrial stent / fetal echocardiography / aortic stenosis / / pulmonary stenosis

Authors

Marzena Dębska
Joanna Szymkiewicz-Dangel
Adam Koleśnik
Piotr Kretowicz
Beata Rebizant
Jacek Witwicki
Romuald Dębski

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