Ultrasound as an aid in intrauterine transfusion

Although the number of patients with Rh isoimmunization in pregnancy has been decreasing in recent years, intrauterine transfusion is still an important form of therapy for those patients whose infants have erythroblastosis. We have used both gray-scale and real-time ultrasonography for the last ten cases in which intrauterine transfusion was necessary. These techniques were used in preference to fluoroscopy and x-ray control to identify the placental site and fetal abdomen and to direct the insertion and placement of the transfusion needle. We were able to visualize the needle when it entered the amniotic cavity and the fetal abdomen. The technique afforded continuous visualization and a cross-sectional image of the fetus, steps which increase the efficiency and safety of the procedure and decrease radiation to the fetus.