Fetoscopic Laser Ablation of Type II Vasa Previa

Описание: Fetoscopic Laser Ablation for Type II Vasa Previa

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital have a track record of successful fetoscopic laser surgery to remove the blood vessel in pregnancies with Type 2 vasa previa. In a very select group of patients, fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA) is an option to continue the pregnancy to full term, avoid an unpredictable rupture of blood vessels and eliminate the need for a prolonged hospital stay. The procedure is done electively at 29 to 34 weeks, most often at 31 or 32 weeks.

Following the FLA procedure, mothers undergo continuous fetal monitoring for two hours and postoperative transvaginal ultrasound to confirm cessation of flow in the vasa previa vessel. They are discharged home on postoperative day 1. They are followed up with transvaginal ultrasound one week later. Afterwards, mothers may return to normal activity, with the option of being followed in an outpatient setting.

After the procedure, mothers can anticipate a vaginal delivery if there are no obstetrical contraindications. Some babies avoid a stay in the hospital’s Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.