Fetal shunt placement

Physicians at the Banner Maternal-Fetal Center at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, operate on fetuses with obstructions within their urinary and lymphatic systems.

These conditions can cause accumulation of excessive fluid in the chest, abdomen or bladder. The excessive fluid may be so great that it can compress vital organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys, potentially leading to permanent and irreparable damage.

In some cases, shunts may be placed directly into the fetus (going through the maternal abdomen and uterus) to drain fluid from these areas into the amniotic cavity and allow for normal development.

Courtesy of 12 News (KPNX-TV) 
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