Pulmonary valvulotomy in a fetus with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: First experience in Turkey

The mortality and morbidity of children with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) is closely related with right ventricle hypoplasia and its consequent hemodynamics. Prenatal intervention for fetuses with PA/IVS has the potential to improve growth of the RV and the prospect of a biventricular outcome after birth. Successful valvulotomy of the pulmonary valve (PV) was performed in a fetus with PA/IVS at 28 weeks. Following the procedure there was an improvement in fetal hemodynamics. In utero perforation and dilation of the PV in midgestation fetuses with PA/IVS is technically feasible. Our initial results are promising and may be associated with improved right heart growth and postnatal outcome.