Case report: Successful patching of iatrogenic rupture of the fetal membranes

Lewi, Liesbeth; Van Schoubroeck, Dominique; Van Ranst, Marc; Bries, Greet; Emonds, Marie-Paule; Arabin, Birgit; Welch, Ross; Deprest, Jan

Case report: Successful patching of iatrogenic rupture of the fetal membranes

Author:

Lewi, Liesbeth

Van Schoubroeck, Dominique ; Van Ranst, Marc ; Bries, Greet ; Emonds, Marie-Paule ; Arabin, Birgit ; Welch, Ross ; Deprest, Jan

Keywords:

fetal membrane, iatrogenic rupture, amniopatch, fetoscopic intervention, invasive fetal procedure, 0601 Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1114 Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine, 3101 Biochemistry and cell biology, 3215 Reproductive medicine, 4204 Midwifery

Abstract:

Rupture of the fetal membranes is a common, but potentially serious complication of invasive fetal procedures. Quintero described a technique to seal the fetal membrane defect by means of a bloodpatch, usually called 'amniopatch' in this application. The successful use in two consecutive patients with ruptured membranes after a fetoscopic intervention at respectively 17 and 22 weeks' gestational age is described, together with a literature review of published experience.