Ultrasound guided intrauterine transfusion

Intrauterine transfusion was performed on 12 occasions in 9 Rh-sensitizedwomen. Under constant real-time ultrasound guidance, a 17G Touhy needle was negotiated through a placenta-free area and advanced into the foetal abdomen to reach the peritoneal cavity. After confirming the position of the needle, either by aspiration of foetal ascitic fluid or by injecting air into the peritoneal cavity, an epidural catheter was passed through the needle and the transfusion was accomplished. This procedure was successful in 11 (91%) of the 12 instances. In one patient the needle could not be placed in the foetal peritoneal cavity despite repeated. attempts; she developed pyrexia and went into spontaneous labour. The neonatal survival rate was 22% (2/9). The ultrasound guided technique not only eliminates the risk of radiation hazards, but also helps in precise placement of the needle in the uterus and foetal peritoneal cavity, which makes intrauterine transfusion safe.