Professional
Technical
IVT
thoracoamniotic shunt
Pronunciation: THOR-ah-co-am-nee-OT-ik
A catheter placed between the fetal thorax and amniotic cavity to drain pleural effusions or decompress lung lesions.
Full Definition
A thoracoamniotic shunt is a small catheter system surgically placed to create a communication between the fetal thoracic cavity and the amniotic space. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to treat conditions such as fetal pleural effusion, chylothorax, or to decompress congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations. The shunt allows continuous drainage of fluid or air, preventing compression of the fetal heart and lungs that could lead to hydrops fetalis.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from thoracentesis, which is a one-time drainage procedure.
In Context
- "A thoracoamniotic shunt was placed at 28 weeks to treat the fetal chylothorax." — Operative note
- "Post-procedure monitoring showed adequate function of the thoracoamniotic shunt with resolution of hydrops." — Follow-up report
Also known as
pleuroamniotic shunt
Don't confuse with
thoracentesis
amniocentesis