Complications Associated with Fetal Cardiac Interventions: Prevalence and Management - Experience from 213 Procedures.

Introduction: Fetal cardiac interventions (FCIs) were introduced to change the natural history of some congenital heart defects. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and management strategies associated with FCI at our institution.

Methods: The local FCI database was retrospectively reviewed for all fetuses who underwent FCI in our center since 2000 regarding complications and fetal outcome.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Is There a Role for Fetal Therapy?

During fetal life some cardiac defects may lead to diminished left heart growth and to the evolution of a form of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In fetuses with an established HLHS, severe restriction or premature closure of the atrial septum leads to left atrial hypertension and remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature, severely worsening an already poor prognosis. Fetal therapy, including invasive fetal cardiac interventions and non-invasive maternal hyperoxygenation, have been introduced to prevent a possible progression of left heart hypoplasia, improve postnatal outcome, or secure fetal survival.