Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
Published on: December 22, 2023
Thoracoamniotic shunting for fetal pleural effusions using a double-basket shunt
Yuichiro Takahashi1, Ichiro Kawabata, Masahiro Sumie
1Department of Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu, Japan.
Objective:
To describe the safety and efficacy of thoracoamniotic shunting for fetal pleural effusion using a double-basket catheter with a very small diameter (1.47 mm).
Method:
In this 2-year multicenter, prospective single-arm clinical study registered with the University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN00001095); shunting was performed between 18w0d and 33w6d of gestation with this catheter in cases of fetal pleural effusions reaccumulating after thoracocentesis. The primary endpoint measures were maternal and fetal adverse effects and survival in the neonatal period.
Results:
A total of 24 cases were included, of which 17 had hydrops (71%). The median gestational ages at shunting and delivery were 27.4 and 34.8 weeks, respectively. There were no fetal deaths, lung injuries, or severe maternal complications. Preterm rupture of the membranes occurred in 7/24 (29%) cases at a median of 62 days after the shunting. Preterm rupture of the membranes within 28 days of the procedure occurred in 1/24 (4%) cases. Catheter displacement towards the fetal thoracic cavity occurred in 4/42 (10%) cases. The overall survival rate was 79% (19/24), whereas it was 71% (12/17) in the cases with hydrops.
Conclusion:
Drainage of fetal pleural effusions with a double-basket shunt is safe and effective, and the shunt could be an alternative device.
More Related Videos
05:50International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
14:59Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care