Intrauterine intravascular transfusions for severe red blood cell isoimmunization: ultrasound-guided percutaneous...

Eight pregnancies with severe red blood cell isoimmunization were managed with use of an intravascular approach for intrauterine transfusions. Fetoscopy was not employed, and the procedures were performed percutaneously under direct ultrasound visualization. A total of 16 of 18 attempted transfusions were successfully performed, with four fetuses requiring more than one transfusion. Technical aspects of the procedure as well as its indications, advantages, and drawbacks are discussed.