GAINING ACCESS TO THE EMBRYONIC-FETAL CIRCULATION VIA 1ST-TRIMESTER ENDOSCOPY - A STEP INTO THE FUTURE

Objective: To assess the feasibility of pining access to the embryonic -fetal circulation via first-trimester transcervical embryoscopy. Meth ods: A fiberoptic endoscope with a 3.5-mm, wide-angle lens was passed transcervically through the chorion and into the exocoelomic cavity of women undergoing pregnancy termination. A 26-gauge heparinized needle was passed through the sideport of the endoscope and inserted into th e blood vessels of the chorionic plate or umbilical cord to obtain blo od samples. Results: With a modified endoscope, we have been able to g ain access into the embryonic-fetal circulation and obtain a small ali quot of blood in five of eight cases. Conclusions: Our experience esta blishes the feasibility of gaining access to the human embryonic-fetal circulation. This work is expected to serve as a basis for further st udies of the diagnosis and treatment of congenital diseases in early p regnancy.