Fetal umbilical cord catheterization under ultrasound guidance.
Since 1984 we have performed 30 intrauterine exchange transfusions (IUET) under ultrasound guidance. In 4 pregnancies with anterior placenta, we performed 9 umbilical cord catheterizations in 11 IUET: the first with material for epidural analgesia and the others with a central venous catheter. The latest one was performed at 34 weeks, the earliest at 27 weeks and repeated up to 4 times. Every catheterization did not last more than 5 min and we did not find any infection, hematoma or placental or cord injury. All 4 pregnancies were delivered at 34-36 weeks and the babies are alive and healthy (the oldest is 4 years old). This technique, when possible, is a good alternative to long procedures with risk of fetal movements, and limits the risk of hematoma.
Lémery
D
D
Service Gynéco-Obstétrique I, Maternité de l'Hôtel-Dieu, Université de Clermont-Ferrand I, France.
Urbain
M F
MF
Micorek
J C
JC
Jacquetin
B
B
D001805:Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014470:Umbilical Cord; D014471:Umbilical Veins