Recent development in pre-natal diagnosis enables the detection of life-threatening congenital diseases on fetuses during the pregnancy. Meningomyelocele (spina bifida), twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are the main malformations that benefit from an intervention at early stages of the pregnancy.
Fetoscopies are minimal invasive surgeries that enable to treat the life-threatening conditions before the baby's birth. This intervention inside the maternal womb increases the chances of successful treatment and reduces the risks of mortality related to those conditions.
Fetoscopies imply the perforation of the uterine wall, which weakens the membrane protecting the fetus and allows amniotic fluid leakage. The consequence, in many cases is the rupture of this membrane, which leads to preterm birth. This big limitation is the Achille's heel of fetoscopy and limits its development into a standard method of care.
Our innovative strategy to prevent iPPROM is an implantable medical device that seals the defect created by the insertion of the surgical instruments at the end of the fetal surgery. It stabilizes the membrane to prevent rupture and stops fluid leakage.
Our approach aims to seal the membrane from the inside of the amniotic cavity.
Our device is compatible with the catheters used for fetoscopic interventions.
Our device ensures a local, easy and precise application of the sealant on the membrane defect.
The implanted sealant aims to maximize the gestational age at delivery.