Increased polymorphonuclear infiltration and iatrogenic amniotic band after closure of fetoscopic access sites with a bioactive membrane in the rabbit at midgestation.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of closing the fetoscopy access site in a midgestational rabbit model by using a commercially available bioactive membrane.

Study Design: Fetoscopy was performed in a total of 100 gestational sacs in 20 does at midgestation (23 days, term = 31 days). In 50 cases (group 1), the fetoscopic access port was closed with a 5-mm patch of biocompatible matrix derived from porcine small intestine containing growth factors (transforming growth factor-beta and fibroblast growth factor-beta).

Antenatal urodynamic studies in the fetal lamb: experimental protocol and preliminary results.

Objectives: To set up a fetal lamb model for intrauterine fetal urodynamic studies.

Methods: Fourteen fetal lambs underwent placement of a bladder catheter at a mean gestational age of 87 days. Three fetuses also had a partial urethral obstruction by the simultaneous placement of a peri-urethral constricting ring.

Nitrous oxide amniodistention compared with fluid amniodistention reduces operation time while inducing no changes in fetal acid-base status in a sheep model for endoscopic fetal surgery.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate in a sheep model for endoscopic fetal surgery the impact of nitrous oxide-gas amniodistention compared with fluid amniodistention on duration of surgery, hemorrhagic events, and fetomaternal acid-base status.

Study Design: Pregnant ewes (n = 16) at 92 to 104 days of gestation (term, 145 days) underwent amniodistention with Hartmann's solution (group I, n = 8) or nitrous oxide (group II, n = 8) at 38 degrees C. Endoscopic tracheal clipping according to a standardized surgical protocol was performed in all animals.