Doctors placed a stent in the heart of a fetus still inside the womb diagnosed with a rare and severe heart defect

Amazing stuff!

"Lauren and Alex Klingsporn were shocked by the news that their unborn son, Brooks, would need a series of surgeries after he was born to fix a rare and severe heart defect.

Brooks’ situation became even more desperate when doctors learned of another problem that was causing lung damage, making it unlikely he’d be healthy enough for the surgeries after birth. Babies born with Brooks’ condition have almost no chance of survival.

So, Texas Children’s Hospital tried something that sounds like science fiction. Doctors placed a stent in Brooks’ heart while he was still in the womb, a complex, high-risk procedure the hospital has performed only about 30 times over the past decade. ..."

"... Fetal cardiac intervention is complex surgery that is performed in the hospital. The mother and fetus are sedated, and an incision is made in the mother’s abdomen, similar to that for a cesarean section. An incision is made in her uterus, exposing the fetus. Guided by ultrasound images, a specialized needle is inserted into the heart of the fetus. A tiny tube, or catheter, with a balloon attached to it is introduced into the heart. The balloon is inflated to expand the valve and allow blood to flow. After the procedure, the fetus is returned to the mother’s uterus. Amniotic fluid is replaced, and the uterus and abdomen are closed. ..."

Texas Children's novel, in-utero surgery saved baby with rare defect

Fetal Cardiac Intervention