First-Ever In-Womb Brain Surgery Conducted on Fetus

Researchers have achieved a medical milestone by successfully performing the first in-utero surgery to address a severe brain malformation in a fetus, known as vein of Galen malformation (VOGM). This congenital condition can lead to heart failure and severe brain injury after birth due to abnormal blood flow directly connecting high-pressure arteries to main collecting veins, bypassing necessary capillaries. The surgery, conducted at 34 weeks gestation, utilized ultrasound guidance to repair the malformation, resulting in an immediate reduction of harmful blood flow and improved fetal heart function.

After birth, the newborn exhibited no signs of heart failure and required no medications or surgeries for the condition, with normal neurological assessments and no brain injuries detected. This groundbreaking approach, currently part of a larger clinical trial at Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, could significantly shift how VOGM is managed, allowing for preventative measures before birth rather than reactive treatments afterward.

Experts expressed cautious optimism about the potential for long-term improvement in both neurological and cardiovascular outcomes, although further trials are necessary to validate the safety and efficacy of this procedure across multiple cases.



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