Recommendations for the training and practice of fetal cardiology from the Association of European Paediatric Cardiology.

Prenatal detection of cardiac abnormalities has increased significantly over the past few decades, such that fetal cardiology has developed into a sub-specialty of paediatric and congenital cardiology. As this speciality develops further and extends across Europe and more globally, it is important to standardize the requirements for training and subsequent practice, to optimize prenatal diagnosis and perinatal care. In addition to the knowledge and technical skills required to make a correct diagnosis, the counseling of families after diagnosis and the planning of appropriate perinatal management is equally important.

Paediatric and adult congenital cardiology education and training in Europe.

Background: Limited data exist on training of European paediatric and adult congenital cardiologists.

Methods: A structured and approved questionnaire was circulated to national delegates of Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology in 33 European countries.

Results: Delegates from 30 countries (91%) responded.

Fetal Cardiac Interventions-Polish Experience from "Zero" to the Third World Largest Program.

This article presents the technical aspects of the Polish fetal cardiac interventions (FCI) program, including preparation of the team and modifications in the technique of the procedure that aim to increase its safety for the mother and the fetus. Over 9 years, 128 FCI in 113 fetuses have been performed: 94 balloon aortic valvuloplasties (fBAV), 14 balloon atrioseptoplasties (fBAS) with stent (BAS+), 5 balloon atrioseptoplasties without stent placement (BAS-), and 15 fetal pulmonary valvuloplasties (fBPS). The technical success rate ranged from 80% (BAS-) to 89% (fBAV), while the procedure-related death rate (defined as death within 72 hours following the procedure) ranged from 7% (fBAV and fBPV) to 20% (BAS).