Technical aspects of intravascular intrauterine transfusions: lessons learned from thirty-three procedures

Our technique for performing intravascular transfusions is described and four failed attempts are presented. The appropriate choice of needle, insertion site, and premedication are discussed. A rationale for intravenous fetal muscle blockade in selected cases is presented and a transfusion setup designed to minimize movement of the needle hub is described. Finally, the judicious use of intraperitoneal transfusions in some cases is suggested.