In utero laser treatment of type II vasa previa
Rubén A Quintero1, Eftichia V Kontopoulos, Patricia W Bornick
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA. rquinter@health.usf.edu
Abstract:
Vasa previa, defined as fetal vessels coursing within the membranes between the presenting part and the cervix, occurs in approximately 1:2500-5000 pregnancies. Type II vasa previa consists of fetal vessels crossing over the internal os connecting a bilobed placenta or a succenturiate lobe with the main placental mass. These vessels are prone to compression during labor or may tear when membranes rupture potentially resulting in fetal exsanguination and neonatal death. This complication could be avoided altogether if the vessels could be obliterated in utero. The purpose of this communication is to report the successful in utero laser ablation of type II vasa previa at 22.5 weeks of gestation. Subsequent ruptured membranes did not result in untoward fetal consequences. Risks and benefits of this novel procedure are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Uterine Tubes
Uterus and Cervix
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...


