Fetal porcine vascular anatomy: clinical and research implications for fetal surgery

Our understanding of fetal vascular anatomy is rudimentary. This article evaluates the rate of fetal vascular branch-point development at different gestational ages using a porcine model. The consistent biphasic, vascular branch-point development provides an improved understanding of fetal vascular anatomy, although further studies on fetal growth and the effects of anesthetic agents and vascular response to surgical techniques at the various gestational stages are needed. This will enhance fetal-maternal safety as the clinical use of fetal surgery broadens in the future.