Transabdominal first trimester embryofetoscopy as a potential approach to early in utero stem cell transplantation and gene therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential of embryofetoscopy for early diagnosis and for access to the fetal circulation in the first trimester of gestation.

DESIGN

Transabdominal embryofetoscopy was performed in 14 patients scheduled for termination of pregnancy using a 1-mm semirigid fibreoptic telescope with a 18 gauge examination sheath and a single-chip digital camera. A 25 gauge needle was inserted through an additional 21 gauge side port to access the fetal circulation.

RESULTS

Fetal head, face, abdomen, complete upper and lower limbs could be visualized in over 80% of cases. On the contrary, the fetal back and external genitalia could be examined in detail only in some cases (35.7% and 64.3%, respectively). Injection of 10-20 ml saline improved visibility in 43% of cases. Funipuncture was successful in two of three attempts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that embryofetoscopy is a useful tool for early diagnosis in the first trimester of pregnancy. Funipuncture is possible thus providing the means for an early intravascular stem cell application.