The application of ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure for cardiothoracic disorders

The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure was primarily devel-oped to reverse temporary tracheal occlu-sion in patients with fetal surgery for con-genital diaphragmatic hernia. Nowadays, it is widely used to resect fetal neck masses and to maintain an unobstructed airway. It is indicated for the management of several cardiothoracic diseases, including medi-astinal or lung mass resection, drainage of pleural effusions, palliative treatment of critical congenital heart disease and establishment of EXIT-to-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). EXIT has been attempted successfully in many centers, and it has been proven that moth-ers and babies tolerate the procedure well. Maternal and fetal surveillance during an-esthesia is important to maintain maternal blood pressure and placental blood flow and fetal oxygenation. The aim of this arti-cle is to discuss the application of the EXIT procedure for the management of fetal car-diothoracic diseases.

anesthesia, fetus, mediastinal neoplasms, pleural effusion

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