Supporting the Achilles Heel of Fetal Surgery – Ultrasound-guided placement of Membranous-Defect- Coverage-Devices (MDCD) during minimally-invasive fetoscopic surgery for spina bi…

Background: Uncovered defects within the chorioamniotic membranes from insertion of 5-mm-trocars (external diameter) were associated with early preterm delivery and chorioamnionitis following fetoscopic surgery for spina bifida aperta (SBA). In addition, closure attempts with collagen plugs were in vain to cover defects larger than 10 mm around a trocar insertion site. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the efficacy of a mechanical Membranous-Defect-Coverage-Device (MDCD) for fetoscopic surgery in prolonging gestation and preventing complications. Patients and methods: Retrospectiv…