First trimester prenatal diagnosis: embryoscopy and fetoscopy

Embryoscopy and fetoscopy are techniques that render the developing embryo/fetus and its environment accessible to the "outside" world, which includes diagnosis and, potentially, therapy. Embryocopy and fetoscopy, sometimes referred to as embryofetoscopy, uses high-resolution fiber optic equipment for direct visualization of the embryo/fetus. This has been used to identify developmental milestones from weeks 4 to 8 after conception. With this technique, it has been possible to identify anomalies and confirm those previously diagnosed by ultrasound. Its application has generally included the first and early second trimester of pregnancy for prenatal diagnosis in continuing pregnancies. In addition, fetal blood sampling has also been successfully performed experimentally with this technology, extending its potential applications into the realm of fetal therapy. Future applications for embryofetoscopy include therapeutic interventions such as gene or cell therapy at a time when the embryo is immunologically tolerant. This article focuses on the importance of embryoscopy and fetoscopy (embryofetoscopy) to perinatal medicine and its potential contributions to the concept of fetal therapy.