Fetal Cardiac Intervention Program

The Fetal Cardiac Intervention Program at Lurie Children’s provides advanced care and hope for families expecting a baby diagnosed with complex congenital heart conditions. As one of the few programs in the nation offering in-utero cardiac procedures, our multidisciplinary team combines innovative technology, groundbreaking research, and compassionate care to improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

What Is Fetal Cardiac Intervention? 

Fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) is a procedure that can help an unborn baby with certain serious heart problems. It is considered in the following situations:

• Fetal Aortic Valvuloplasty (FAV): This procedure is used when the baby’s aortic valve (a key heart valve) is severely narrowed, which could prevent normal growth of the left side of the heart and lead to a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
• Fetal Atrial Septal Intervention (FASI): This procedure is considered when the baby has hypoplastic left heart syndrome and a blocked or very small opening between the heart’s upper chambers.
• Fetal Pulmonary Valvuloplasty (FPV): This procedure is done when the baby’s pulmonary valve (another important heart valve) is severely narrowed, which could prevent normal growth of the right side of the heart and lead to hypoplastic right heart syndrome.

What to Expect With Fetal Cardiac Intervention? 

During the Procedure

The pregnant person is given anesthesia and sedation for comfort during the procedure. The baby is also given medication to keep them still and comfortable. Using ultrasound for guidance, a thin needle is carefully inserted into the baby’s heart. A small tube (called a catheter) with a balloon on the tip is passed through the needle and into the heart.

The balloon is gently inflated to open up the narrowed heart structure—this may be the aortic valve, pulmonary valve, or atrial septum, depending on the baby’s condition. This helps improve blood flow. In some cases, such as during Fetal Atrial Septal Intervention (FASI), a tiny stent is placed to keep the pathway open as the baby grows. Once the procedure is done, the needle and balloon are removed.

After the Procedure

The pregnant person will stay in the hospital for 24-48 hours for observation. After discharge, the fetal cardiac team will monitor the baby’s heart through regular outpatient visits, fetal echocardiograms, and obstetrical ultrasounds.

What Are the Risks of Fetal Cardiac Intervention?

Like all major procedures, Fetal Cardiac Intervention (FCI) carries some risks for the baby. These include potential harm to the baby, preterm labor and delivery, or, in rare cases, the need for an emergency cesarean section.

• Leading-Edge Expertise: Lurie Children’s is home to one of the most experienced pediatric cardiac teams in the country, with specialists trained in performing delicate interventions on the fetal heart.
• Comprehensive Care: Our program integrates maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric cardiology, and neonatology to ensure seamless care from pregnancy through delivery and beyond.
• Innovative Procedures: Utilizing state-of-the-art imaging and minimally invasive techniques, our team addresses conditions such as critical aortic stenosis and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) before birth, offering improved long-term health prospects.
• Family-Centered Support: We prioritize open communication and family involvement, offering resources like genetic counseling, psychological support, and patient education.

Our Fetal Cardiac Intervention Program provides a wide range of services, including:

• Fetal Echocardiography: Advanced imaging to diagnose and monitor congenital heart defects in utero.
• Fetal Cardiac Interventions: Procedures such as balloon valvuloplasty to improve heart function and growth during pregnancy.
• Maternal-Fetal Consultations: Collaborative care with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to assess risks and plan the safest delivery.
• Neonatal Cardiac Care: Comprehensive treatment plans for babies immediately after birth, ensuring a smooth transition to postnatal care.
• Long-Term Cardiac Follow-Up: Continued monitoring and management of congenital heart conditions throughout childhood.

The Fetal Cardiac Intervention Program at Lurie Children’s is led by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including:

• Pediatric Cardiologists: Experts in diagnosing and managing fetal heart conditions.
• Interventional Cardiologists: Specializing in performing minimally-invasive procedures to diagnose and treat congenital heart conditions in unborn babies.
• Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons: Skilled in neonatal and pediatric cardiac surgeries.
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists: Ensuring the health and safety of the mother during pregnancy.
• Neonatologists: Providing specialized care for newborns with complex cardiac needs.
• Genetic Counselors and Psychologists: Offering comprehensive support to families.