Exteriorization of the uterus reduces fetoscopic cannula-induced stress and strain: A finite element model analysis

To estimate stresses and strains in the uterine wall and fetal membranes with single/multi-port fetoscopy, simulating either a percutaneous access or via exteriorized uterus.

Finite element models based on anatomical dimensions, material properties and boundary conditions were created to simulate stresses, strains and displacements on the uterine wall and fetal membranes during simulated fetal surgery either via exteriorized uterus or percutaneous approach, and with one or three cannulas. Clinically, we measured the anatomical layer thickness and cannula entry point displacement in patients undergoing single port percutaneous fetoscopy.

Simulations demonstrate that single port percutaneous fetoscopy increases stress on the fetal membranes (+105%, 128 to 262 kPa) and uterine wall (+115%, 0.89 to 1.9 kPa) compared to exteriorized uterine access. Using three ports increases stress by 110% (148 to 312 kPa) on membranes and 113% (1.08 to 2.3 kPa) on uterine wall. Finite Element Method showed 0.75 cm uterine entry point displacement from the cutaneous entry, while clinical measurements demonstrated displacement of more than double (1.69 ± 0.58 cm), suggesting modeled measurements may be underestimations.

The stresses and strains on the fetal membranes and uterus are double as high when entering percutaneously than via an exteriorized uterus. Based on what can be clinically measured, this may be an underestimation.