Children's Hospital Boston  300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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Clinical Services (Fetal Cardiology Program):
Innovations
Children's Hospital Boston doctors made history in September 2001. For the first time in the United States, a successful fetal heart surgery was completed.

Performed by a team of Children's pediatric cardiologists and Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the surgery opened a potentially fatal pinched heart valve while the fetus was still in the mother's womb.

In November 2001, thanks to the work of Children's doctors, "Baby Jack" was delivered and was breathing on his own. The story of this innovative procedure was featured in the New York Times in February 2002.

Encouraged by the success of Baby Jack, the Fetal Program at Children's has done close to 111 fetal heart procedures since its' inception.

Fetal cardiac research studies at Children's Hospital Boston:

Balloon Dilation of Severe Aortic Stenosis in the Fetus: Potential for Prevention of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Creation of an Atrial Septal Defect In Utero for Fetuses With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Intact or Highly Restrictive Atrial Septum
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome With Intact or Highly Restrictive Atrial Septum: Outcome After Neonatal Transcatheter Atrial Septostomy
Improved Surgical Outcome After Fetal Diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
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The Advanced Fetal Care Center serves pregnant women carrying fetuses with a wide range of medical issues.
In the News:
Operation on Fetus's Heart Valve Called a 'Science Fiction' Success
New York Times article
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