Gaining access to the embryonic-fetal circulation via first-trimester endoscopy: a step into the future.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of gaining access to the embryonic-fetal circulation via first-trimester transcervical embryoscopy.

Methods: A fiberoptic endoscope with a 3.5-mm, wide-angle lens was passed transcervically through the chorion and into the exocoelomic cavity of women undergoing pregnancy termination. A 26-gauge heparinized needle was passed through the sideport of the endoscope and inserted into the blood vessels of the chorionic plate or umbilical cord to obtain blood samples.

Results: With a modified endoscope, we have been able to gain access into the embryonic-fetal circulation and obtain a small aliquot of blood in five of eight cases.

Conclusions: Our experience establishes the feasibility of gaining access to the human embryonic-fetal circulation. This work is expected to serve as a basis for further studies of the diagnosis and treatment of congenital diseases in early pregnancy.