Fetoscopic temporary tracheal occlusion by means of detachable balloon forcongenital diaphragmatic hernia

Occlusion of the fetal trachea blocks the egress of fetal lung fluid and st imulates the growth of hypoplastic lungs in fetuses with diaphragmatic hern ia. Accomplishing temporary and reversible occlusion of the fetal trachea h as proven difficult without invasive fetal surgery. Using simultaneous real -time ultrasonography and fetal bronchoscopy through a single uterine port, we placed a detachable balloon in the trachea of 2 fetuses with severe dia phragmatic hernia. In both fetuses the fetal lung subsequently enlarged, al lowing survival after birth.