fetal cardiac intervention

Full Definition

Specialized fetal surgical procedures designed to address critical congenital heart defects that would be incompatible with life or cause severe morbidity if left untreated until birth. These interventions include balloon valvuloplasty for critical aortic or pulmonary stenosis, atrial septostomy, and other percutaneous cardiac procedures. The goal is to promote normal cardiac development and improve postnatal outcomes by addressing flow-limiting lesions early in development.

In Context

• "Fetal cardiac intervention with balloon aortic valvuloplasty was performed at 23 weeks gestation." — Fetal cardiology procedure report
• "The fetal cardiac intervention successfully improved left ventricular filling and growth." — Follow-up echocardiogram report