Effects on the maternofetal unit of the rabbit model after substitution of the amniotic fluid with perfluorocarbons.
OBJECTIVE
Exchanging amniotic fluid (AF) with perfluorocarbon (PFC) may serve as a medium for fetoscopic surgery. This study evaluates the distribution and physiologic effects of intraamniotic PFC as a medium for fetoscopy.


METHODS
Fetuses of 17 pregnant rabbits underwent either exchange of the AF with PFC, electrolyte solution (ES), or control. The quality of vision during fetoscopy was assessed in AF and PFC. After 6 h, we determined the distribution of PFC in the maternofetal unit.


RESULTS
Quality of vision during fetoscopy was better in PFC than with AF. There was no difference in fetal survival between the study groups. PFC was demonstrated on X-ray in the pharynx of 4 fetuses, and the esophagus in 1.


CONCLUSIONS
PFC provided an ideal medium for fetoscopy without fetal compromise.
Muensterer
Oliver J
OJ
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich, Munich, Germany. oliver.muensterer@med.uni-muenchen.de
Klis
Verena J
VJ
Till
Holger
H
von Schweinitz
Dietrich
D
Simbruner
Georg
G
D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D000818:Animals; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000494:pharmacology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023421:Models, Animal; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography
D004573:Electrolytes; D005466:Fluorocarbons