State-Of-The-Art In-Utero Procedure Corrects Babies' Defects
State-of-the-art technology is allowing surgeons to correct in utero. around the world is still seen as “natural,” which can cause the misconception that it is easy. However, it is still one of the most challenging journeys a woman’s body will go on. There are always risks and complications to both the mother and the unborn baby. Birth defects, while heartbreaking, in thousands of babies all over the world. Some are mild, while others are more serious and can cause lifelong challenges.
Surgeons do have the ability to fix some of these defects while the baby is still developing, but that does not come without risk. According to and , new technology is giving medical professionals a better way to fix a specific birth defect before a baby is born, and that is Spina Bifida.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that happens when the spinal cord fails to close normally during gestation. It can lead to long-term disabilities, which include the inability to walk. While this can be , it can be risky for the baby and mother. However, new technology from Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is changing the face of this surgery.
They are using MRI and ultrasound imagery to create a 3D model of the fetus. This model is an image of the baby in utero. It can allow surgeons to see the real-life shape and size of the baby, and it can show them where the location of the spinal lesion is. This can help prepare the medical team for surgery, and make sure that they have all the appropriate equipment that they need. This model can also help them identify any complications that may arise, and they say will help reduce the risk of the surgery.
It is challenging to complete any surgery on a baby that has not been born yet because you cannot examine the patient the same way you could if they were in front of you. When they have this model, they are able to see details that they would not be able to see with just the standard imaging. With the sculpture, the surgeons can see the skeletal structure, the nerve, and vascular anatomy, and the fluid sacs that are in the spine and brain caused by the Spina Bifida. This breakthrough technology may be changed the face of in-utero operations.
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