>> Hello my name is Jena
Miller and I am the lead
of the fetalscopic spina
bifida repair program
at the John Hopkins
Center for Fetal Therapy.
Today I will share with
you our initial results
for our pilot trial of open
two-port fetoscopic repair
of fetal spina bifida.
The MOMS trial established that there are
significant benefits to the babies
who undergo prenatal
repair of spina bifida.
However, the risk for the
mother are substantial
from the incision that's
required on the uterus
to expose the baby.
As well as the risk of preterm
birth and complications
in future pregnancies.
What we've observed from this
minimally invasive approach
to the uterus is that we
see substantial improvements
as expected for the babies
during the pregnancy.
We see improvement in
hindbrain herniation,
the membranes appear intact
even when the delivery
is at term.
And the surgical scar is,
the cosmetic appearance
of the surgical scar is acceptable.
As well, we see a lower
rate of ruptured membranes
and early preterm birth.
Our patients also have the
advantage of undergoing
a vaginal delivery if obstetrically safe.
As well, our neurosurgical outcomes
show that there is consistent improvement
in hindbrain herniation after birth
and only one child has
required a shunt to date.
So in conclusion our open
two-port fetoscopic approach
for pre-natal spina bifida repair
shows favorable outcomes
compared to the benchmarks
that were established in the MOMS trial
with the advantage of a later
gestational age at birth,
as well as the potential
for vaginal delivery.
Thank you.
(calm music)
