title: Effects on the maternofetal unit of the rabbit model after substitution of the amniotic fluid with perfluorocarbons.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich, Munich, Germany. oliver.muensterer@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: Oliver J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Muensterer
authors.forename: Verena J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Klis
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Till
authors.forename: Dietrich
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: von Schweinitz
authors.forename: Georg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Simbruner
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D005466:Fluorocarbons