title: Gaining access to the embryonic-fetal circulation via first-trimester endoscopy: a step into the future.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility of gaining access to the embryonic-fetal circulation via first-trimester transcervical embryoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A fiberoptic endoscope with a 3.5-mm, wide-angle lens was passed transcervically through the chorion and into the exocoelomic cavity of women undergoing pregnancy termination. A 26-gauge heparinized needle was passed through the sideport of the endoscope and inserted into the blood vessels of the chorionic plate or umbilical cord to obtain blood samples.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With a modified endoscope, we have been able to gain access into the embryonic-fetal circulation and obtain a small aliquot of blood in five of eight cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience establishes the feasibility of gaining access to the human embryonic-fetal circulation. This work is expected to serve as a basis for further studies of the diagnosis and treatment of congenital diseases in early pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Reece
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whetham
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rotmensch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wiznitzer
mesh_terms: D017218:Cordocentesis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005333:Fetus / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First