Fetal Imaging

An Important Discovery in Fetal Intervention

A breakthrough discovery in fetal intervention

Fetal lung resections for hydropic (CCAM or CPAM): Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation. 

CCAM-excess proliferation or terminal bronchioles.
Steroid may accelerate maturation. Moms had maternal steroids prior to having open fetal surgery but decided not to. Steroids drive lung maturation and CCAM (immature lung tissue that is rapidly proliferation). Unfortunately, there was no way to prove it, and there was no good animal models for this disease so there was only human data. 

The Beginning of Fetal Interventions at UCSF

Collaboration between radiology, surgery, and many other subspecialties underscores how interdisciplinary programs can be successful. 

Goal: Repair the fetal defect that has disastrous postnatal physiologic consequences

  1. Multidisciplinary Team
  2. Bring basic science to the human fetus
  3. A lot of FAITH

Invasive Fetal Therapy-interdisciplinary approach