Fetal cardiocentesis: a review of indications, risks, applications and technique.
OBJECTIVE
To review the indications, applications and technique of fetal cardiocentesis.


METHODS
Review of published case reports and case series of fetal cardiocentesis utilizing the PubMed search engine of the National Library of Medicine.


RESULTS
Case reports and case series demonstrate that fetal cardiocentesis may be an alternative method by which to facilitate prenatal diagnosis, intravascular therapy, multifetal and selective fetal reduction and in utero therapy of congenital heart disease. However, procedure-associated risk is higher than with cordocentesis and may limit use of this procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetal cardiocentesis may be a reasonable option to obtain fetal intravascular access and facilitate therapeutic interventions when cordocentesis fails or is not feasible. However, expected benefit must clearly outweigh the procedure-associated risk.
Sarno
Albert P
AP
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Section, Perinatal Center, St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, Pa 18015, USA. apsarno@earthlink.net
Wilson
R Douglas
RD
D001805:Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000601:surgery; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D005333:Fetus / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014471:Umbilical Veins