Fetal cardiac interventions: myths and facts

Abstract

An early, primary, in utero cardiac abnormality may prevent normal heart development and cause irreversible secondary structural changes. The idea of foetal cardiac intervention stems from this understanding and focuses on antenatal intervention targeting the primary abnormality to allow normal flow and haemodynamics and thus normal heart development. Crucial aspects of foetal vascular access, varying foetal lie and structural complexity make it very hard to set procedural standards. The procedures are complex and are associated with significant maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. The high risk-benefit ratio clearly explains the investigational nature of such therapies. With the development of minimally invasive techniques and continued animal experiments, foetal interventional therapy may see a low rate of morbidity and mortality, improving the prognosis of newborns with congenital heart disease previously considered incurable.