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The chick embryo as a model for intrauterine ultrasound-guided heart intervention
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Insights
The chick embryo model successfully simulated intrauterine ultrasound-guided cardiac intervention, showing minimal cardiac injury and potential for fetal heart therapy development. This approach is vital for advancing prenatal minimally invasive treatments.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cardiovascular research
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques
Background:
- Prenatal minimally invasive therapy is crucial for managing pathological fetal heart development.
- Developing reliable animal models is essential for advancing fetal cardiac interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chick embryo as a model for ultrasound-guided intrauterine cardiac intervention.
- To explore the feasibility of cardiac puncture and intervention in ovo.
Main Methods:
- Chick embryos (18 days) underwent in ovo cardiac puncture under ultrasound guidance.
- Indian ink and Nile blue sulfate were used for marking injection sites.
- Embryos were assessed macroscopically and histologically post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Successful ventricular wall penetration was achieved in 26/38 embryos with minimal myocardial injury.
- Histological analysis indicated near-complete myocardial reocclusion and fibrin-clogged injection channels.
- One embryo showed no cardiac dysfunction and was followed for 6 months.
Conclusions:
- The chick embryo serves as a viable model for simulating intrauterine ultrasound-guided fetal heart interventions.
- Fenestrated eggs are necessary for ultrasound penetration, as the shell is impermeable.
- This model holds promise for refining prenatal cardiac therapies.
Objectives:
Prenatal minimally invasive therapy represents a challenging option for reducing long-term complications of pathological fetal heart development. Here, the potential of the chick embryo as a model for ultrasound-guided intrauterine cardiac intervention is explored.
Methods:
Chick embryos were incubated for 18 days in fenestrated eggs and their hearts were punctured in ovo under ultrasound guidance. Indian ink and Nile blue sulfate were applied to mark the injection channel. After cardiac intervention, embryos were further incubated and subsequently sacrificed for macroscopic and histological evaluation of the heart.
Results:
Stereomicroscopic analysis revealed that the catheter had successfully penetrated the cardiac ventricular wall in 26/38 embryos. The myocardium was not severely injured. Histological evaluation showed that the myocardium had almost reoccluded after the intervention and that the injection channel was clogged with fibrin. In one case, the embryo was not sacrificed, but was removed from the egg 24 h after the intervention, with no signs of cardiac dysfunction, and was followed up for 6 months.
Conclusions:
Intrauterine ultrasound-guided heart intervention in the human fetus can be simulated in the chick embryo. Fenestrated eggs have to be used because the egg shell and shell membrane are impermeable to ultrasound.
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