www.eurotwin2twin.org HOME Twin to twin transfusion syndrome and
monochorionic twinning European network 		  www.eu.org
Public InformationFetal Medicine SpecialistsEurofoetus Stage ILegal Notice


   
  Eurofoetus Stage I


Original Eurofoetus website.
Abstract of project.
Achievements.  
Publications.  
Eurofoetus Stage I - Publications.    


 

Project related publications.

Papers in the peer reviewed literature.

1998
  1. Deprest JA, Lerut TE, Vandenberghe K. Operative Fetoscopy: New perspectives in Fetal therapy? Prenatal Diag 1997; 17: 1247-60. (This invited contribution was published during the contract negotiation phase and was the first mentioning of the project in the literature.)

  2. Papadopulos N, Van Ballaer PP, Ordonez JLO, Laermans I, Lerut T, Vandenberghe K, Deprest J. Fetal membrane closure techniques following mid-gestational hystero-amniotomy in the rabbit model. Am J Obstet Gynaecology, 1998, 178: 938-42.

  3. Ville Y. Monochorionic twin pregnancies, les liaisons dangereuses. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 1998,4:10-15.

  4. Ville Y, Hecher K, Gagnon A, Sebire N, Hyett J, Nicolaides K. Endoscopic laser coagulation in the management of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1998,105:446-53.

  5. Ville Y et al. Etude Eurofoetus. Syndrome transfuseur-transfuse. J Gynécol Obstét Reprod, 1998, 27:255-7.

  6. Bui TH, Jones DRE. Stem cell transplantation into the fetal recipient: challenges and prospects. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 1998; 10:105-108.

  7. Deprest JA, Evrard VA, Van Ballaer PP, Peers KHE, B Spitz, Steegers EA, Vandenberghe K. Experience with fetoscopic cord ligation. Eur J Obstet Gynaecol Reprod Biol, 1998, 81:157-164.

  8. Deprest J, Gratacos E, Witters I, Van Schoubroeck D, Ville Y, Dommergues M, Hecher K. Laser coagulation of superficial vascular anastomosis in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1998, 12: 285-286, (Letter).

1999
  1. Deprest JA, Luks FI, Peers KHE, Van Ginderdeuren R, D’Olieslagher J, Vandenberghe K. Natural Protection Mechanisms of the fetal eye against endoscopic white light injury. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1999, 94: 124-127.

  2. Gratacos E, Yamamoto H, Papadopulos NA, Adriaenssens T, Phlips T, Lerut TA, Deprest JA. The mid-gestational rabbit as a model for the creation of membrane defects after needle fetoscopy. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1999, 180: 1263-1267.

  3. Papadopulos NA, Dumitrascu I, Ordonez JL, Decaluwé H, Lerut TE, Barki G, Deprest JA. Fetoscopy in the pregnant rabbit at mid-gestation. Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, 1999, 14: 118-121.

  4. Deprest J, Gratacos E. Obstetrical endoscopy. Curr Op Obstet Gynecol, 1999, 195-203.

  5. Deprest J, Papadopulos NA, Dumitrascu I, Decaluwé H, Yamamoto H, Lerut TE, Gratacos E. Closure techniques for fetoscopic access sites in the midgestational rabbit model. Human Reprod, 1999, 14: 1730-1734.

  6. Anouncement Eurofoetus registry. Ultrasound Obstet and Gynecol, 1999, 13 : 383.

  7. Branisteanu-Dumitrascu I, Deprest J, Evrard V, Van Ballaer P, Van Schoubroeck D, Gratacos E, Pijnenborg R. Time-related cotyledonary effects of laser coagulation of superficial chorionic vessels in an ovine model. Prenatal Diagnosis, 1999, 19: 205-210.

  8. D.R.E. Jones. Why do in utero stem cell transplants sometimes fail ? Molecular Med Today 5, 288 – 291 (1999).

  9. Holden DP, Schwartzler P, De Tayrac R, Senat MV, Ville Y. Lung development in diamniotic twins discordant for complete urinary tract obstruction. Fetal Diagn Ther 1999;14: 296-300.

  10. Schwartzler P, Ville Y, Moscoso G, Bollmann C, Chaoui R. Diagnosis of twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence in the first trimester by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1999;13:143-6.

  11. Schwartzler P, Moscoso G, Bernard JP, Hill L, Senat MV, Ville Y. Trisomy 10: first trimester features on ultrasound, fetoscopy and postmortem of a case associated with increased nuchal translucency. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1999;13:67-70.

  12. Nicolini U, Poblete A. Single intrauterine death in monochorionic twin pregnancies. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 1999, 14: 297-301.

  13. Schwartzler P, Moscoso G, Senat MV, Carvalho J, Gould D, Ville Y. The cobweb syndrome: first trimester sonographic diagnosis of multiple amniotic bands confirmed by fetoscopy and pathological examination. Human Reprod 1999;13:2966-9.

  14. D Challis, E Gratacós, J Deprest. Selective termination in monochorionic twins. J Perinat Med 1999, 27:327-38.

  15. Zikulnig L, Hecher K, Bregenzer T, Bäz E, Hackelöer BJ. Prognostic factors in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by endoscopic laser surgery. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1999;14:380-7

  16. Hecher K, Zikulnig L, Hackelöer BJ. Perspektiven der operativen Fetoskopie in der Fetalmedizin (Perspectives of operative endoscopy in fetal medicine). Gynäkologe 1999;32:855-65

2000
  1. Gratacos E, Wu J, Yesildaglar N, Devlieger R, Pijnenborg R, Deprest JA. Succesful sealing of fetoscopic access sites with collagen plugs in the rabbit model. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2000; 182:142-146.

  2. Deprest J, Audibert F, Van Schoubroeck D, Hecher K, Mahieu-Caputo D. Bipolar cord coagulation of the umbilical cord in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2000; 182: 340-345.

  3. Papadopulos NA, Deprest JA, Dumitrascu I, Miserez M, Yesildaglar N, Vandenberghe K, Lerut TE. Endoskopische Fetal Chirurgie: eine neue Perspektive in der fetalen Therapie ? Sozialpädiatrie, Kinder- und Jugenheilkunde, 2000; 22: 14-22.

  4. Devlieger R, Gratacos E, Wu J, Yesildaglar N, Ghysel C, Barki G, Deprest J. Continuous monitoring of fetal pH, pO2, and PCO2 using a fiberoptic multiparameter sensor in animal models reproducing in utero conditions.Fetal Diagn Ther, 2000, 15:127-131.

  5. Gratacos E, Devlieger R, Decaluwé H, Wu J, Nicolini U, Deprest J. Is the angle of needle insertion influencing the created defect in human fetal membranes ? Evaluation of the agreement between specialists’opinions and in vitro observations. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2000, 182: 646-649.

  6. Yesildaglar N, Zikulnig L, Gratacos E, Devlieger R, Schröder H, Deprest J, Hecher K. Bipolar coagulation with small diameter forceps in animal models for in utero cord obliteration. Hum Reprod, 2000; 15, 865-868.

  7. Devlieger R, Deprest JA, Gratacos E, Pijnenborg R, Leask R, Riley S. Matrix metalloproteinases-2 and –9 and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in fetal membrane repair following fetoscopy in a rabbit model. Mol Hum Reprod, 2000; 6: 479-485.

  8. Lindton B, Markling L, Ringdén O, Kjaeldgaard A, Gustafson O, Westgren M. Mixed lymphocyte culture of human fetal liver cells. Fetal Diagn Ther 2000;15: 71-78.

  9. Machin GA, Feldstein VA, van Gemert MJC, Keith LG, Hecher K. Doppler sonographic demonstration of arterio–venous anastomosis in monochorionic twin gestation. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, 2000;16:214-7

  10. Renda MC, Fecarotta E, Dieli F, Markling L, Westgren M, Damiani G, Jakil C, Piciotto F, Maggio A. Evidence of alloreactive T lymphocytes in fetal liver: implication for fetal hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2000;25: 135-141.

  11. Renda MC, Fecarotta E, Maggio A, Dieli F, Sireci G, Salerno A, Markling L, Westgren M, Damiani G, Jakil C, Picciotto F, Flake AW and Zanjani ED. In utero fetal liver hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: is there a role for alloreactive T lymphocytes? Blood 2000; 96: 1608-1609.

  12. R. Devlieger, E. Gratacos, J. Wu, L. Verbist, R. Pijnenborg, J. Deprest. An organ culture for the in vitro evaluation of fetal membrane healing capacity. Eur J Obstet Gynaecol Reprod Biol, 2000, 92 ; 145-150.

  13. Gratacós E, Deprest J. Current experience with fetoscopy and the Eurofoetus registry for fetoscopic procedures. Europ J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2000, 92; 151-160.

  14. Erik J. Björck, The-Hung Bui, Cisca Wijmenga, Ulla Grandell, Magnus Nordenskjöld. Early prenatal diagnosis of the ICF syndrome. Prenat Diagn 2000;20:828-831.

  15. Hecher K, Diehl W, Zikulnig L, Vetter M, Hackelöer BJ. Endoscopic laser coagulation of placental anstomoses in 200 pregnancies with severe mid-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2000;92:135-9

  16. Nicolini U, Poblete A, Boschetto C, Bonati F, Roberts A. Complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: experience with bipolar cord coagulation. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2001; 185:703-7.

  17. Wu J, Yamamoto H, Gratacos E, Ge X, Verbeken E, Sueishi K, Hashimoto S, Vanamo K, Lerut T, Deprest J. Lung development following diaphragmatic hernia in the fetal rabbit. Human Reproduction, 2000, 15; 2483-2488.

  18. De Lia J, Fisk N, Hecher K, Machin G, Nicolaides K, Hyett J, Quintero R, Thilaganathan B, Ville Y. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome – debates on the etiology, natural history and management. (Opinion) Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2000;16:210-3

2001
  1. Diehl W, Hecher K, Zikulnig L, Vetter M, Hackelöer BJ. Placental vascular anastomoses visualized during fetoscopic laser surgery in severe mid-trimester twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Placenta 2001;22:876-81

  2. Effects of amniodistention with carbon dioxide on fetal acid-base status during fetoscopic surgery in a sheep model. Gratacos E, Wu J, Devlieger R, Vandevelde M, Deprest J. Surgical Endoscopy, 2001 ; 15 : 368-372.

  3. Biochemical differentiation of gestation compartments at midgestation in the rabbit. Devlieger Roland, Gratacós E, Wu J, Ardon H, Vereecken A, Deprest J. Fet Diagn Ther, 2001, 16: 289-293.

  4. Ultrasound Doppler measurements in the central circulation of anaesthetised fetal sheep during obstruction of umbilic-placental blood flow. Tchirikov M, Hecher K, Deprest J, Zikulnig L, Devlieger R, Schröder HJ. Ultrasound in Obstet Gynaecol, 2001, 18:656-661.

  5. Lindton B, Tolfenstam T, Markling L, Ringden O, Westgren M, Broliden K. Recombinant Parvovirus B19 empty capsida inhibits hematropoietic colony formation in vitro. Fetal Diagn Ther. 2001; 16:26-31.

  6. Endoscopy takes it place in fetal medicine. Deprest J, Van Schoubroeck D, Devlieger R, Witters I, Van de Velde M, Timmerman D, Lerut T. Acta Neonatol Japan, 2001; 551-565.

2002
  1. Lindton B, Markling L, Ringden O, Westgren M. In vitro studies of haematopoietic colony-forming capacity of human fetal liver cells at exposure to cytotoxic and immunomodulatory drugs.
    Fetal Diagn Ther 2002 17:104-9.

  2. Ex vivo testing of a temperature and pressure controlled amnio-irrigator for fetoscopic surgery. Bonati F, Perales A, Novak P, Barki G, Gratacos E, Nicolini U, Deprest JA. J Ped Surg, 2002; 37: 18-24.

  3. In Utero Tracheal Occlusion at Different Gestational Age Has Different Pulmonary Effects in a Rabbit Model of Diaphragmatic Hernia. J Wu, X Ge, E Verbeken, E Gratacós, N Yesildaglar, JA Deprest. J Ped Surg, 2002; 37:11-17.

  4. Nitrous oxide amniodistention reduces operation time as compared to fluid amniodistention while inducing no changes in fetal acid-base status in a sheep model for endoscopic surgery. Gratacos, E, Wu J, Devlieger R, Bonati F, Lerut T, Vanamo K, Deprest J. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2002, 186: 538-543.

  5. Factors influencing the flow rate through a surgical defect in human fetal membranes. Devlieger R, Gratacos E, Ardon H, Vanstraelen S, Deprest J. Prenatal Diagnosis, 2002, 22: 201-205

  6. Matrix metalloproteinases –2 and –9 and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in tissue remodelling following fetoscopic sealing of the fetal membranes in a fetal sheep model for fetoscopic surgery. Devlieger R, Riley SC, Verbist L, Leask R, Pijnenborg R, Deprest JA. J Soc Gyn Obst Invest, 2002, 9: 137-145


Other publications in scientific journals and books.

1998
  1. Wu J, E Gratacos, JA Deprest. Endoscopic fetal surgery. Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia 1998, 3, 39-43.

  2. Deprest J y Gratacos E. Cirugia Intrauterina. Trabajos Distinguidos Obstetricia y Ginecologia, 1998, 12: 187-188.

  3. Bui TH, Deprest JA, Ville Y, Westgren M. Minimalinvasiv teknic gör kirurgi pa foster möjlig. (Minimally invasive techniques render in utero surgery possible; disabling fetal malformations can be corrected.) Läkartidningen 1998; 95: 4848-54.

  4. JA Deprest, E. Gratacos, Y. Ville, D. Van Schoubroeck. Intrauterine Surgery. Year Book, Royal College of Obstetricians and and Gynaecologists 1998, (Vol 7), 307-318.

1999
  1. Bui TH, Deprest JA, Jauniaux E, Wilson D. Current perspectives and new developments in ultrasound guided invasive procedures for prenatal diagnosis and therapy. Textbook of Fetal Ultrasound. Richard Jaffe and The-Hung Buid (eds). Parthenon Publishers, New York and London, 1999, Chapter 10, 259-286.

  2. J Wu, MD, JA Deprest, E Gratacos, H Yamamoto, TE Lerut. Fetal Endoscopic Surgery. In : “Minimal Access Cardiothoracic Surgery”, Yim AP, Hazlrigg SR, Izzat B, Landreneau RJ, Mack M, Naunheim KS (eds). WB Saunders Cy, Orlando, USA, 1999, Chapter 40, 404-411.

  3. Deprest J, Challis D, Witters I, Vanschoubroeck D, Gratacos E. Techniques d’occlusion funiculaire pour l’interruption sélective dans les grossesses monochoriales. Médecine Fétale, 1999, 38: 27-35.

  4. Senat MV, Deprest J, Ville Y. Etat actuel du traitement chirurgical par foetoscopie dans le syndrome transfuseur / transfusé. Médecine Fétale, 1999, 38: 22-26.

  5. Westgren M, Bui T-H, Friedrich W, Hansmann M, Lindton B, Mattsson J, Mueller S, Ringdén O, Uzunel M, Zetterqvist H. Successful intrauterine transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID). Annual Meeting of the Swedish Society of Medicine Nov 30 --Dec 2, 1999. Hygea 108; 3: 265, 1999. (Poster and Abstract, in Swedish).

2000
  1. Gratacos E, Deprest J. Revision: experiencia actual in fetoscopia operatoria. Folia Clinica en Obstetricia Ginecologia, 2000, 22: 6-24.

  2. D Van Schoubroeck, J Deprest. Feticidio selectivo por oclusion del cordon con ecoendoscopia combinada. Folia Clinica en Obstetricia Ginecologia, 2000, 22: 26-27.

  3. R Devlieger, E Gratacos, J Wu, M Vandevelde, JA Deprest. Effect van amniodistentie met koosltofdioxide op het foetale zuur-base-evenwicht tijdens in utero endoscopische heelkunde op het schaap. Gunaikea, 2000, 164-168.

  4. Deprest J. Onevenwichtige bloedvoorziening, een risico voor één-eiige tweelingzwangerschappen. Gezondheidsbrief, September 2000.

  5. J Deprest & Y Ville. Obstetrical Endoscopy. In: The unborn patient: the art and science of fetal therapy. M Harrison, M Evans, W Holzgreve, Eds. WB Saunders Publishers, 2000.

  6. Jones D.R.E., Anderson E.M., Liu D.T.Y. & Walker R.M. Tolerance induction following in utero stem cell transplantation. In: Ernst Schering Research Foundation, Workshop 33. Chapter 12. Heidelberg: Springer Verlag, 2000.

  7. Shields LE, Andrew RG, Westgren M, Brolinden K. In vitro hematopoiesis is inhibited in humans and non-human primates by recombinant parvo virus capsid. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182 (part 2): S15 (abstract 17).

  8. Effect van amniodistentie met koosltofdioxide op het foetale zuur-base-evenwicht tijdens in utero endoscopische heelkunde op het schaap. R Devlieger, E Gratacos, J Wu, M Vandevelde, JA Deprest. Gunaikea, 2000, 164-168.

2001
  1. Amniodistentie met N2O versus vocht in een schapenmodel voor foetoscopische chirurgie: invloed op de operatieduur en foetaal zuur-base evenwicht. Devlieger R, Gratacos E, Wu J, Bonati F, Lerut T, Vanamo K, Deprest J. Gunaikea, 2001: 6: 169-172.

  2. Obstetric Endoscopy. J Deprest & Y Ville. The unborn patient: the art and science of fetal therapy. M Harrison, M Evans, NS Adzick, W Holzgreve, Eds. WB Saunders Publishers, 2001, Chapter 15: 213-232.

2002
  1. Operative Fetoscopy. Deprest J, Van Schoubroeck D, Carreras E, Witters I, Gratacos E. In: Prenatal Diagnosis. Evans M, Johnson M & Wapner R (Eds). Mc Graw Hill Publishers, 2002 (in press).


International meeting abstracts and communications

1998
  1. Annual Meeting of the Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, Miami Beach, 2nd-7th February 1998 Abstracts published in the Am J Obstet Gynecol Papadopulos N, Dumitrascu I, Van Ballaer P, Ordoñez JL, Laermans IJ, Vandenberghe K, Deprest JA. Fetal Membrane Closure Techniques after histero-amniotomy in the mid-gestational rabbit model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998, S1, S

  2. Deprest JA, Papadopulos N, Dumitrascu I, Ordoñez JL, Laermans IJ, Decaluwé H, Vandenberghe K. Closure of fetoscopic access sites in the mid-gestational rabbit. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998, S1, S

  3. Gagnon A, Deprest J, Walters D, Walt D, Ville Y. Assessment of blood pO2 and pH using a micro fibre-optic sensor in vivo. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998, S1, S48, 133.

  4. International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society Annual Meeting, Heron Island, Australia 5-8th May 1998. Gratacos E, Yamamoto H, Wu J, Decaluwé H, Ghysels C, Adriaensens T, Phlips T, Papadopulos N, Deprest J. The mid-gestational rabbit model for evaluation of fetoscopy-induced membrane defects.

  5. Deprest J, Papadopulos N, Gratacos E, Yamamoto H, Decaluwe H, Ghysels C, Adriaensens T, Phlips T. Closure of fetoscopy-induced access sites in the mid gestational rabbit.

  6. Deprest J, Gratacos E, Ville Y, Arboy Y, Bui T-H, Hecher K, Dumez Y, Nicolini U. The Eurofoetus registry: open to all centers, preferentially via the Internet.

  7. Deprest J, Audibert F, Van Schoubroeck D, Dommergues M. Minimally invasive cord obliteration.

  8. Ville Y. Randomized controlled trial of amniodrainage versus laser and amniodrainage in twin tranfusion syndrome.

  9. Gratacos E, Ville Y, Arboy Y, Bui T-H, Hecher K, Dumez Y, Nicolini U, Deprest J. The Eurofoetus randomized trial on TTS

  10. The fetus as a patient. Amsterdam, May 1998 In utero laser surgery in fetal therapy. Deprest J, Ville Y, Hecher K. Fet Diagn Ther 1998: 17; S 48

  11. Closure Techniques for fetoscopic access sites in the mid-gestational rabbit model. Yamamoto H, Papadopulos N, Decaluwé H, Vandenberghe K, Deprest J. Fet Diagn Ther 1998: 17; S 84

  12. Ville et al. Endoscopic laser coagulation in the management of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The Eurofoetus project. Fet Diagn Ther 1998: 17; S.

  13. 2nd Micro Endoscopy World congress, Leuven, 28th-29th May 1998. Proceedings published by organiser. JA Deprest. Rupture of the fetal membranes: the Achilles’ heel of fetal ensdoscopic surgery.

  14. Yamamoto H, Papadopulos N, Decaluweé H, Gratacos E, Wu J, Lerut L, Deprest J. Closure techniques for fetoscopic access sites in the mid-gestational rabbit model.

  15. Alfred Nobel Minisymposium on Fetal Medicine, joint meeting with N.I.H. Stockholm, May 1998. Proceedings published by Nobel Institute Deprest JA et al. Fetal Membranes: the Achilles’ heel of Fetal Endoscopic Surgery.

  16. Ville Y et al. Endoscopic laser coagulation in the management of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The Eurofoetus project.

  17. Journées Niçoises de Périnatologie. Nice, October 5, 1998 Minimal Invasive Fetal Surgical Procedures. Deprest J.

  18. II International Congress of Paediatric Endosurgery. Madrid, October 28-30th, 1998 “Fetal Endosurgery: evolution and developments in the last years” & “Perspectives in Fetal Endosurgery” & “Operative endoscopy for some fetal abnormalities”. Deprest J.

  19. 8th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Edinburgh, November 1-5, 1998 Deprest J. Specialist Training Sessions: "Obstetrical Endoscopy". “Umbilical Cord Obliteration: ultrasound or fetoscopy ?”.

  20. The-Hung Bui. Stem cell transplantation. 8th World Congress. Specialist Training Sessions: "Endoscopy vs. Ultrasound in Obstetrics".

  21. The-Hung Bui. Intrauterine bone marrow transplants. 8th World Congress of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Plenary Round Table: Fetal Surgery.

  22. First Symposium on Fetal Therapy – New Approaches for diagnosis and treatment. Tel Aviv, November 19-20, 1998. Deprest J, Selective Termination in Monochorionic twins.

  23. Deprest J, New perspectives in operative fetoscopy. Deprest J, In utero therapy for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

  24. 7th European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy, Lausanne, December 6-9, 1998. Deprest J, Fetal Surgical Therapy.

1999
  1. 3rd conference on In Utero Stem Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy, Portland, Oregon, USA.

  2. Westgren M. Human Fetal Liver Transplantation.

  3. Fifth Conference of the European Society for Engineering in Medicine, ESEM 99, Barcelona May 30th-June 2nd, 1999. Endoscopic access to the feto-placental unit. Deprest J.

  4. Continuous monitoring of fetal pH, pO2 and pCO2 using a fiberoptic multiparameter sensor during experimental surgery in fetal sheep. Devlieger R, Gratacos E, Wu J, Yesildaglar N, Deprest J.

  5. Amnioinsufflation with a sensitive pressure and termperature controlled CO2 insufflation device for endoscopic fetal surgery in a sheep model. Deprest J, Devlieger R, Wu J, Yesildaglar N, Pijnenborg R, Gratacos E.

  6. Development of sealing techniques with biological substitutes for iatrogenic fetal membrane defects in a rabbit model. Gratacos E, Devlieger R, Wu J, Yesildaglar N, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J.

  7. International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society Annual Meeting, Karlysle (May 19-23). Yves Ville. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and Eurofoetus project.

  8. Forum at the Postgraduate Medical Centre and hosted by Department of Immunology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK, January 20th, 1999. Therapeutic options for the immunodeficiencies.

  9. Rhodri Jones. In utero stem cell transplantation: Lessons from the laboratory.

  10. The-Hung Bui. In utero transplantation: Lessons from human patients.

  11. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, San Francisco, January 18-23, 1999 FETOSCOPY IN A MID-GESTATIONAL RABBIT MODEL. Deprest JA, Dumitrascu I*, Ordonez J*, Decaluwé H*, Gratacos E*, Lerut T*, Papadopulos NA*.

  12. INFLUENCE OF THE ANGLE OF NEEDLE INSERTION ON THE SUBSEQUENT FLUID LEAK THROUGH THE CREATED DEFECT IN HUMAN FETAL MEMBRANES: AN IN VITRO STUDY Gratacós E*, Decaluwé H*, Wu J*, Devlieger R*, Spitz B*, Nicolini U*, Deprest JA.

  13. EFFICACIOUS SEALING OF FETOSCOPIC ACCESS SITES WITH COLLAGEN PLUGS IN THE RABBIT MODEL Gratacós E*, Wu J*, Yamamoto H*, Yesildaglar N*, Ge X*, Deprest JA.

  14. Annual Scientific Meeting of the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand. March 23, 1999, Melbourne, Australia Challis DE, Gratacos E, Deprest JA, Devlieger R, Vancaillie TG. Cord Interruption in Monochorionic Twins

  15. Fetus as a Patient, April 22-24, New York, 1999. Is the angle of needle insertion influencing the created defect in human fetal membranes ? Evaluation of the agreement between specialists’ opinions and in vitro observations. Devlieger R, Gratacos E, Decaluwé H, Wu J, Nicolini U, Deprest J. Fet Diagn Ther 1999; 14:313-320

  16. 31st Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Genetics. Geneva, Switzerland, May 29-June 1, 1999. Björk EJ, Bui T-H, Grandell U, Wijmenga C, Nordenskjöld M. Prenatal diagnosis of ICF syndrome.

  17. Fetal Medicine Foundation, course on “invasive procedures” (K Nicolaides, director). London, June 19th, 1999. Intra uterine endoscopic surgery. Jan Deprest

  18. European Laser Association. Antwerp September 2, 1999. Yves Ville. Nd-YAG versus diode laser. Jan Deprest. Controversies on Fetoscopic Nd:YAG laser coagulation for TTS. Kurt Hecher. Clinical results of Fetoscopic Nd:YAG laser coagulation for TTS.

  19. Swedish Society for Perinatal Medicine. 19th Annual Meeting, Stockholm, Sweden, October 28-29, 1999. Bui T-H, Grunewald C, Frenckner B, Kuylenstierna R, Dahlgren G, Edner A, Granström L, Selldén H. EXIT-procedure for congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) and embryofetoscopy in the first trimester: two new methods in fetal medicine.

  20. Board Certification in Fetal Medicine - Theoretical Course, The Fetal Medicine Foundation, London UK. King's College Hospital, the Weston Educational Centre, London, UK. September 6-18, 1999. The-Hung Bui. Intrauterine stem cells transplantation and gene therapy. Jan Deprest. Endoscopic Surgery for PPROM Jan Deprest. Animal models for in utero surgery. Kurt Hecher. Venous Doppler in IUGR. Yves Ville. Twin-to-twin transfusion.

  21. 8th Congress of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy ESGE, Stockholm, Sept 16-18, 1999 In utero endoscopic surgery takes its place in modern fetal therapy. Jan A Deprest, Eduard Gratacos, Dominique Van Schoubroeck, Ingrid Witters, Toni E Lerut.

  22. ESRA, Istanbul, Turkey, September 30, 1999. Deprest J, Gratacos E, Vandevelde M, Delaere P, Devlieger H, Spitz B, Lerut T. In utero endoscopic surgery takes its place in modern fetal therapy.

  23. Francqui leerstoel, Leuven, December 18, 1999. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Deprest J.
2000
  1. Universitäts - Frauenklinik Bern, 20.1.2000: Endoskopische intrauterine Therapie. K Hecher.

  2. International Wintersymposium Anesthesiology “Anesthesia in Obstetrics”, Leuven, January 20-21, 2000 Deprest J. Fetal surgery: state of the art.

  3. Society of Feto-Maternal Medicine; Miami, Florida, February 2-5, 2000. LATE TRACHEAL OCCLUSION IN A FETAL RABBIT MODEL FOR CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA ACHIEVES NORMAL PULMONARY DEVELOPMENT AND MATURATION. Deprest JA, Wu J*, Ge X*, Yesildaglar N*, Devlieger R*, Verbeken EA*, Lerut T*, Gratacos E*. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000: 182, S16 (Abstract 11).

  4. BIPOLAR COAGULATION WITH SMALL DIAMETER FORCEPS IN FETAL LAMB UMBILICAL CORDS. Deprest JA, Gratacos E*, Yesildaglar N*, Zikulnig L*, Devlieger R*, Schröder H*, Hecher K*. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000: 182, S183 (Abstract 598).

  5. CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF FETAL PH, PO2 AND PCO2 USING A FIBEROPTIC MULTI-PARAMETER SENSOR IN ANIMAL MODELS MIMICKING IN UTERO CONDITIONS. R. Devliegerx, E. Gratacósx, J. Wux, N. Yesildaglarx, Y. Arboy x, J. Deprest. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000: 182, S110 (Abstract 321).

  6. MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES (MMPs) AND THEIR TISSUE INHIBITORS (TIMPs) IN MEMBRANE REPAIR FOLLOWING FETOSCOPY IN A RABBIT MODEL. R Devliegerx, J Deprest, E Gratacosx, R Pijnenborgx, R Leaskx, SC Rileyx. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000: 182, S199 (Abstract 661).

  7. EFFECTS ON FETAL ACID-BASE STATUS OF CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) AMNIODISTENSION WITH AND WITHOUT MATERNAL HYPERVENTILATION IN A SHEEP MODEL FOR FETAL SURGERY. Gratacós E*, Wu J*, Devlieger R*, Vandevelde M*, Yesildaglar N*, Novak P*, Deprest JA. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000: 182, S184 (Abstract 603).

  8. Shields LE, Andrew RG, Westgren M, Brolinden K. In vitro hematopoiesis is inhibited in humans and non-human primates by recombinant parvo virus capsid. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182 (part 2): S15 (abstract 17).

  9. Swedish Medical Research Council, April 7th, 2000, Huddinge University hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden Bui T-H, Ek S, Westgren M. First-trimester embryofetoscopy: Early experience.

  10. Annual Meeting of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Perinatology. Istanbul, Turkey 6-8 April, 2000. The-Hung Bui. Gene Therapy.

  11. IVth Prenatal Diagnosis and Genetics Congress. Izmir, Turkey, May 3-6, 2000. The-Hung Bui. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. The-Hung Bui. In utero stem cell transplantation.

  12. Nordic Federation for Obstetrics and Gynecology, XXXII Congress, Oslo, Norway June 3-6, 2000. The-Hung Bui. Prenatal Diagnosis in Sweden.

  13. 4th Maastricht Medical Students Research Conference; March 15, 2000. Ardon H, Devlieger R, Gratacos E, Deprest J. Ex Vivo determination of factors influencing the flow rate through a created defect in the human fetal membranes.

  14. Fetal Medicine Foundation, course on “invasive procedures” (K Nicolaides, director). London, March 25th, 2000. Deprest J. Intra uterine endoscopic surgery.

  15. Fetal Medicine Foundation, Diploma in fetal medicine (K Nicolaides, director). London August-September 2000. The-Hung Bui. Fetal gene therapy and stem cell transplantation.

  16. Fetal Therapy Seminar for the Perinatal Society of Australia & New Zealand, Sydney, Royal Hospital for Women. April 20th, 2000. Deprest J. Modern Fetoscopy.

  17. Minimally-invasive fetal therapy: symposium on twin-twin transfusion syndrome, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa, Florida, April 28-30, 2000:
    Doppler studies in TTTS.
    Endoscopic treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma. K Hecher.

  18. Klinikum der Christian Albrechts Universität zu Kiel (Prof W Jonat). May, 9th, 2000. Deprest J. Intrauterine Operation.

  19. Dept Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zürich University Hospital. Zürich, June, 2000. Deprest J. Fetal Surgery.

  20. Pediatric Academic Societies and the American Academy of Pediatrics Joint Meeting, May 12-16,2000, Boston, Massachusetts:
    Banek C, Hecher K, Hackelöer BJ, Bartmann P. Developmental outcome after intrauterine laser treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Ped Res 2000;47

  21. International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society, Nantucket Island, September 10-13, 2000. CORRELATION OF TRACHEAL DIAMETER MEASURED BY ULTRASOUND AND NECROPSY FINDINGS IN HUMAN FETUSES. Yamamoto H, Perales A, Delezoide A, Benachi A, Van Schoubroeck D, Colpaert C, Moerman Ph, Deprest JA.

  22. GAS AMNIODISTENTION REDUCES OPERATION TIME AS COMPARED TO FLUID AMNIODISTENTION BUT USED GAS DETERMINES CHANGES IN FETAL ACID-BASE STATUS IN A SHEEP MODEL FOR FETOSCOPIC SURGERY Gratacós E, Wu J, Bonati F, Devlieger R, Lerut T, Vanamo K, Deprest JA.

  23. Rapid transition of FRESH human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells to fetal blood following injection into the exocelomic cavity of the rabbit. Wu Jx, Bries Gx, Scheers Wx, Gratacos Ex, Boogaerts Mx, Deprest J

  24. EX VIVO TESTING OF A TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE CONTROLLED AMNIOIRRIGATOR FOR FETOSCOPIC SURGERY. Francesca Bonati, Alfredo Perales, Eduard Gratacos, Pavel Novak Dip Ing5, Umberto Nicolini, Jan A.M. Deprest

  25. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES FOR CORD COAGULATION Perales A, Rheinwald M, Devlieger R, Biard JM, Deprest J

  26. Nicolini U, Poblete A, Boschetto C, Bonati F, Roberts A. Complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: experience with bipolar cord coagulation.

  27. International Continence Society, August 30, 2000, Tampere (Finland). R de Tayrac, PM Cuckow, GA Bogaert, JA Deprest, Y Ville. URODYNAMIC STUDIES IN THE FETAL LAMB: EXPERIMENTAL PROTOCOL AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS

  28. FIGO Meeting September 2000, Washington, USA. Deprest J, Bonati F, Devlieger R, Wu J, Vandevelde M, Lerut T, Hecher K, Nicolini U, Gratacos E. Fetal Surgery in Animal Models. Internat J Gynecolog Obstet, 2000 (Supplement), 9. Deprest J. Laser surgery for twin to twin transfusion syndrome.

  29. 6th Meeting, Rochester, New York, October 3-8, 2000. Schröder HJ, Tchirikov M, Zikulnig L, Deprest J, Hecher K. Effects of acute obstruction of umbilical cord vessels on the fetalcentral venous circulation. Society for Investigation of Early Pregnancy (SIEP), IFPA 2000 Meeting Issue, A27.

  30. Journées du Club de Médecine Foetale. Jersey, 1-3 Juni, 2000. Deprest J. In utero chirurgié pour CDH.

  31. 10th International Conference on Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy. Barcelona, Spain, June 19-21, 2000. Deprest J. Foetoscopic Techniques. Bui T-H. Marker chromosomes.

  32. European Association of Perinatal Medicine. Porto, June 25-28, 2000. Deprest J. In utero surgery for Diaphragmatic Hernia. Hecher K. Fetoscopic laser surgery for FFTS.

  33. European Association of Endoscopic Surgery. Nice, June 26-30 2000. Deprest J. Endoscopic Fetal Surgery.

  34. National Institute of Health / National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, Maternal-Fetal Surgery Conference, July 16-18, 2000, K Hecher: Update on Fetoscopy.

  35. 10th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, October 4-7, 2000, Zagreb, Croatia:
    K Hecher: ‘Fetal Endoscopy and Invasive Procedures’ and ‘2nd and 3rd Trimester Doppler’

  36. International Fetoscopy Group, Meeting October 12-15, 2000, Munich. K Hecher: ‘New fetoscopy; TTTS and Lasercoagulation’

  37. Swedish Society of Perinatal Medicine, October 26-27, 2000, Stockholm. K Hecher: Fetoscopic laser surgery in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

  38. A Journey from Gamete to Newborn, Eurofoetus and the NIH. Leuven, October 20-23, 2000. Nicolini U. Societal aspects of genetic screening and diagnosis. Ville Y. Embryoscopy. Ville Y. Amniocentesis in PPROM. Bui TH. In utero stem cell transplantation. Westgren M. The potential of embryonic stem cells in fetal therapy. Dommergues M. In utero imaging for CDH: prenatal prognistic indicators. Gratacos E. The Eurofoetus registry for fetoscopic procedures. Hecher K. Fetoscopic Surgery for FFTS. Deprest J. Selective Feticide in Monochorionic Twins. Deprest J. Treating Iatrogenic PPROM. Le Dour O. The European Commision and its support to research. Bries G. Rapid transition of fresh human mononuclear cells to fetal blood following injection into the exocelommic cavity of the rabbit. Devlieger R. An organ culture system for the in vitro evaluation of fetal membrane healing capacity. Mahieu D. Do fetuses with gastroschizys feel pain. Mahieu D. In utero allotransplantation of non-humam primate hepatocytes. Zikulnig E. Endoscopic laser coagulation of vascular anastomoses in acardiac twins. Diehl W. Placental vascular anastomoses during fetoscopic laser surgery in severe mid-gestational FFTS. Gratacos E. CO2 amniodistention for fetoscopic surgery. Schwarzler P. Fetoscopic diagnosis of cob web syndrome. Perales A. Monopolar coagulation and interstitial laser for umbilical cord occlusion: experimental study. Tchirikov M. Effect of acute obstruction of umbilical cord vessels on the fetal central venous circulation. Audibert F. Ultrasound guided bipolar coagulation of the umbilical cord in complicated monochorionic twin gestations.

  39. The Fetal Medicine Foundation, London, UK. Board Certification in Fetal Medicine - Theoretical Course. King's College Medical School Hospital, The Weston Education Centre, London August 28 – September 9, 2000. Y Ville. Twin-to-Twin transfusion syndrome. Deprest J. Animal models in fetoscopic surgery. Deprest J. Surgery for myelomeningocele and CDH. Bui TH. Stem cell transplantation.

  40. Diplôme d’Etudes Approfondies en Sciences Chirurgicales. Université Paris XI Septembre 2000. Dr Jacky Nizard. Effets comparés de la coagulation vasculaire par les ultrasons focalisés dans le modèle ovin.
2001
  1. 15th Annual Meeting of the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society. September 2001. Kruger National Park, South Africa. De Keersmacker B, Vloeberghs M, Ville Y. Animal Model for Fetal Hydrocephalus and Intrauterine Cerebral Ventriculoscopy and Catheterisation; Preliminary results

  2. Society of Feto-Maternal Medicine, Reno (NV), 5-10/2/01. Nitrous Oxide Amniodistention Reduces operation time as compared to fluid amniodistention while inducing no changes in fetal acid-base status in a sheep model for endoscopic fetal surgery Eduard Gratacós, Jun Wu, Francesca Bonati, Roland Devlieger, Kari Vanamo, Toni Lerut, Jan A. Deprest. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 184, S137, 2001 (Abstract 454).

  3. Correlation of tracheal diameter measured by ultrasound and necropsy findings in human fetuses. Yamamoto H, Pearles A, Delezoide AL, Benachi A, Van Schoubroeck D, Colpaert C, Moerman P, Deprest. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 184, S138, 2001 (Abstract 458).

  4. Increased Umbilical vein flow and transient right heart failure in donor fetuses from severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome after laser coagulation: venous overload suggesting succesful treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 184, S139, 2001 (Abstract 464).

  5. Increased polymorphonuclear infiltration and amniotic band after closure of fetoscopic access sites with a bio-active membrane in a rabbit model. Devlieger R, Deprest J, Gratacos E, Ardon H, Verbist L, Pijnenborg. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 184, S22, 2001 (Abstract 044- Oral prestation).

  6. Rapid transition of fresh human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells to fetal blood following injection into the exocelomic cavity of the rabbit. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 184, S23, 2001 (Abstract 051- Oral prestation).

  7. International Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy, Chicago, 20-26/3/01. The use of endoscopy in fetal medicine. J A Deprest, D Van Schoubroeck, R Devlieger, M Vandevelde, E Carreras, E Gratacos. Published in proceedings (FR13.1)

  8. Development of sealing techniques with biological substitutes for iatrogenic fetal membrane defects in animal models for fetoscopic surgery. Devlieger R, Gratacós E, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J.3rd Prize for Oral Presentation. Published in proceedings (FR8.7)

  9. Leiden International Medical Students Congress, March 15-16, 2001. Development of sealing techniques with biological substitutes for iatrogenic fetal membrane defects in a rabbit model. De Langhe E, Luykx M, Maenhout B, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J, Devlieger R. (Travel award) Abstract book “Key to the future”; LIMSC 2001, 35:72-73.

  10. Society for Gynaecologic Investigation, Toronto, March 14-18 2001 Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their endogeneuous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in tissue remodelling following fetoscopic sealing of the fetal membranes in a lamb model for fetoscopic surgery. Devlieger R, Riley S, Leask R, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J. SGI President’s Presenter Award

  11. Nationaal Congres Gynecologie en Verloskunde België, Spa, 2001. Polymorfonucleaire infiltratie en amniotic band syndroom na sluiten van foetoscopische toegangspoort met een bioactief membraan (BioSIS) in een konijnmodel voor foetoscopie. R Devlieger, H Ardon, L Verbist, R Pijnenborg, J Deprest. Gunaikea 2001, 6: 84

  12. Amniodistentie met stikstofoxide versus vocht in een schapenmodel voor foetoscopische chirurgie: invloed op de operatieduur en foetaal zuurbase evenwicht. R Devlieger, E Gratacos, J Wu, F Bonati, T Lerut, K Vanamo, J Deprest. Gunaikea 2001, 6: 84

  13. First Research and development Meeting of the Fetal Medicine Foundation. London 2001, 30th August-1st September. Rapid transition of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells to fetal blood following injection into the exocelomic cavity of the rabbit. Deprest J, Wu J, Bries G, Gratacos E, Boogaerts M. Best scientific paper presentation

  14. Animal Model for Fetal Hydrocephalus and Intrauterine Cerebral Ventriculoscopy and Catherterisation; Preliminary results De Keersmacker B, Vloeberghs M, Ville Y.

  15. Symposium: Recent Developments in Perinatology, 11.10.2001, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
    Laser treatment of TTTS and neurological and developmental outcome of survivors. K Hecher

  16. Symposium on Perinatal Medicine, 20./21. October 2001, The Chinese University Of Hong Kong.
    Diagnosis and prediction of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Management of TTS, Live demonstrations. K Hecher.

  17. Deutscher Kongress für Perinatale Medizin, 29.11.-1.12.2001, Berlin. Workshop: Das kranke Ungeborene; Vortrag: Intrauterine Chirurgie

  18. European Association of Perinatal Medicine. Barcelona, Spain, Sept 21-23, 2001 Towards an endoscopic intra-uterine treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: preclinical experimental studies. Jan Deprest*, E Gratacos, E Verbeken, J Wu, H Yamamoto, Ge X, V Evrard, H Flageole, K Vanamo, M Miserez, T Lerut Animal models in Fetal Therapy. J Deprest In utero therapy for CDH. J Deprest Registries and Studies in Fetal Therapy (Fetal Therapy Seminar). J Deprest In utero tracheal occlusion (key note lecture). J Deprest Selective Fetocide in MC Twins. J Deprest Controversy: therapy of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. K Hecher
    Plenary lecture Fetoscopic laser . K Hecher

  19. International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ISUOG, 11th World Congress, Melbourne, 20-26 October 2001. Fetal Surgery: state of the art. J Deprest Pre Congress Courses: Fetoscopy. K Hecher
    State-of-the-art lecture: Assessment and management of fetal growth restriction. K Hecher

  20. European Society of Regional Anesthesia, Zonal Meeting, November 10, 2001 (Eindhoven, Holland). Endoscopy takes its place in fetal medicine. J Deprest.

  21. Ethics in Perinatal Medicine (Probleme der medizinische Ethik – gestern – heute – morgen) Oesterreichisches Grüner Kreuz für Vorsogemedizin, Interuniversity Pannel Discussion, Salzburg, 21/1/02 In utero surgery. J Deprest

  22. European University Diploma Gynaecological Endoscopy. University of Clermont Ferrand. 24/1/02 In utero endoscopic surgery

  23. Workshop on fetal surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona. March 25, 2002 Operative fetoscopy for complicated MC twin pregnancies Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: pathophysiology. Fetal surgery and results.

  24. Society of Gynaecological Investigation, 2002: MONITORING OF LUNG DEVELOPMENT USING B-SCAN ULTRASOUND AND NMR IN FETAL SHEEP WITH TRACHEAL OCCLUSION. HJ Schröder, M Tchirikov, U Wedegärtner, K Hecher, J Deprest. J Soc Gynecol Investig 9 (suppl), 124A, 2002

  25. ULTRASOUND DOPPLER MEASUREMENTS IN BOTH PULMONARY ARTERIES, THE PULMONARY TRUNK AND DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS OF FETAL SHEEP WITH TRACHEAL OCCLUSION. Tchirikov M, Hecher K, Diehl W, Deprest J, Schröder H. J Soc Gynecol Investig 9 (suppl), 189A, 2002

  26. Sealing fetal membrane defects using microfibrillar collaged, liquid PEG or a mixture: evaluation in vitro in organ cultures and in vivo in the rabbit. Devlieger R, Lewi L, Brandenburg H, Verbist L, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J. J Soc Gynecol Investig 9 (suppl), 222A, 2002

  27. Growth factors in fetal membrane healing: evaluation using confluent cultures of amnion derived epithelial WISH cells. Devlieger R, Verbist L, Pijnenborg R, Deprest J. J Soc Gynecol Investig 9 (suppl), 219A, 2002

  28. The Fetus as a Patient, XVIII International Congress, April 25-28, 2002, Budapest. Hecher K, Huber A, Diehl W, Hackelöer BJ: Outcome after endoscopic laser surgery in severe transfusion syndrome: experience with 300 procedures. Fetal Diagn Ther 2002;17, Suppl.1:39

  29. Fetal Medicine Foundation, Second Trimester Ultrasound. January 26-27, 2002, London. Fetal Doppler, Twin-twin-transfusion syndrome. K Hecher.

  30. Doppler - Ultrasound in the Fetal Examination, 11th International Symposium and Workshop, 10.3.-15.3.2002, Lech, Austria. Acardiac twins (TRAP): diagnosis and therapy. K Hecher.

Deliverables for exploitation:

A whole range of new medical instruments were developed, tested and subsequently released for production.
  • These include endoscopes, accompanying sheats, trocars for cannula introduction and some purpose designed instruments such as forceps, scissors, etc… Hardware (i.e. devices without which endoscopy in the amniotic cavity is not possible), including devices for distention of the cavity were purpose designed and tested.

  • Two specially designed bipolar forceps and monopolar coagulation device for cord coagulation in abnormal monochorionic twins were introduced to the market.

  • All the above instruments may also find their place in other clinical fields (besides fetal medicine), such as hysteroscopy (for the endoscopes) and pediatric surgery (for instruments and devices).

  • Preclinically the efficacy and safety of a fetal membrane sealing technique, using collagen, was studied. According to the contractual agreements, no non-human primate experiments were allowed, and therefore its application in clinical cases is still under way. An in vitro culture system for the study of fetal membrane wound healing was developed which will further be used by scientists, reducing the need for animal experiments.

  • As part of the workpackage on catheterisation techniques (aiming at in utero stem cell transplantation), new analytical techniques to assess small differences in engraftment, and two methods that may enhance engraftment were developed.

  • Via our website, information on fetoscopy is given to the public. For medical professionals, a registry on fetoscopic procedures and two clinical studies on the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome are accessible. The website hosts these clinical studies and all related documents for data entry. This is the largest dataset worldwide on this condition. It is expected that by 2003 a randomised trial will be finished and determine whether TTS is better treated by fetoscopic laser coagulation than amniodrainage, or perhaps what subgroup would benefit from either therapy.
The name Eurofoetus achieved a reputation of a scientific “authority” in the field of fetoscopy and invasive fetal medicine. Over 400 fetoscopies have been done by the clinical partners. Only one center in Europe performing operative fetoscopy is not a member of the Eurofoetus group, but meanwhile became partner in a new application within the FP5 programme. The clinicians of the group are considered as world authorities in fetoscopy: they are opinion leaders and trainers of clinicians who want to establish a formal fetoscopy programme. They are speakers at all relevant international meetings, contribute to the international literature on this topic. The publication list of the group is impressive, with a total of 70 full length publications.

Acknowledgments

The following institutions or organisations were also supporting the research within the Eurofoetus project or the international conference for dissimenation of the results of the project. Partner 1 acknowledges:
  • The National Institutes of Health (NICHHD-branch; Office of Rare Diseases)

  • The Flemish Government via the “Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen” and the “Co-financing Funds for EU projects”

  • The EC’s Fifth Framework Programme – Improving Human Potential,

  • The Belgian Federal and Flemish Regional Government (Ministers of Health)

  • The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (on occasion of its 575 anniversary).

  • The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is maintaining at present the website and clinical studies.
Partner 3 wishes to thank the Paris institute INRA (P Kahn, Director) and Dr Vloeberghs (Neuro-endoscopists). Partner 5 wishes to thank the University Klinik Eppendorf (Hamburg), Prof H Schröder, for supporting the experimentation at their institution.