Fetal Intervention Using Magnetically-Guided Navigation

摘要

Methods and systems for fetal intervention to address malformations or other conditions are presented. In one instance, a method is provided that includes introducing a guide catheter into the fetus' venous system and using controlled magnets to position the guide catheter at a desired location. The method also involves positioning the treatment catheter at a treatment location using the guide catheter and delivering a treatment using the treatment catheter at the treatment location. In one particular application, a hypoplastic left heart is treated by using a balloon catheter as the treatment catheter and inflating a balloon on the balloon catheter at the aortic valve. Other methods and systems are disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for addressing a fetal malformation in a fetus in utero through fetal intervention, the method comprising:
using a needle to access the fetus' circulation system; providing a guide catheter having a magnetic object coupled proximate a distal end of the guide catheter; positioning the guide catheter into the circulation system of the fetus through the needle; providing a plurality of controlled magnets operable to guide the magnetic object on the guide catheter in three dimensions to within at least a centimeter; using the plurality of controlled magnets to position the guide catheter at a desired location within the fetus; introducing a treatment catheter over or in the guide catheter; moving the treatment catheter along the guide catheter to position the treatment catheter at a treatment location; treating the fetal malformation at the treatment location; removing the treatment catheter; removing the guide catheter; and removing the needle.