Los Angeles Fetal Surgery helps lead way in Spina Bifida treatment
Los Angeles Fetal Surgery, a collaboration between Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California is gaining national recognition for its leadership in advancing innovative treatments for complex fetal conditions like spina bifida. This segment highlights the center’s groundbreaking, minimally invasive fetal surgery that aims to protect the developing spinal cord before birth and improve long-term outcomes. Through the powerful story of a young patient, Abigail, and her mother, the video illustrates both the medical innovation behind the procedure and the profound hope it offers families facing a daunting diagnosis—demonstrating how cutting-edge care can transform lives even before a child is born.
Los Angeles Fetal Surgery
Los Angeles Fetal Surgery is at the forefront of implementing new therapies and procedures that will benefit women’s health here and around the world. Dr. Ramen Chmait and his team have successfully completed 25 corrective minimally invasive surgeries for Spina Bifida since February 2019. The Los Angeles Fetal Surgery Program is setting the standard for obstetrics and gynecology care, education, and research.
Patient Resource
Los Angeles Fetal Surgery is a collaboration between Keck Medicine of USC, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Huntington Hospital. Dr. Ramen Chmait performs all fetal interventions at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. The Los Angeles Fetal Surgery team provides patients with support and hope through passionate and innovative care.
Fetal Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction
Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare condition that is caused by a blockage of fetal urination. Because the baby cannot empty the bladder, the baby’s bladder subsequently becomes very large and distended. Also, because the amniotic fluid is essentially composed of the baby’s urine beyond the middle of the second trimester, the bag of waters dries up. A shunt may be placed between the baby’s bladder and the amniotic fluid, thus relieving the blockage.
Twin-twin Transfusion Syndrome
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare condition that affects about 10% of twins that share the same placenta (monochorionic twins). The cause of TTTS is attributed to unbalanced flow of blood through vascular channels that connect the circulatory systems of each twin via the common placenta. We offer a surgical approach that utilizes an operative fetoscope to deliver laser energy that seals off the blood vessels on the surface of the common placenta that contribute to the condition.
Spinal Bifida (Myelomeningocele)
Spina bifida is a condition that affects approximately 1 in 1500 pregnancies in the United States annually. In myelomeningocele, there is an open defect on the spine, exposing the spinal cord and nerves to possible trauma and to the toxic effects of amniotic fluid. Los Angeles Fetal Surgery offers a minimally invasive (completely percutaneous) approach to closing this spina bifida defect – the first of its kind on the Western half of the United States.