Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) With Smart-TO

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) leads to lung hypoplasia and impaired lung vasculature. Fetal lung growth may be stimulated by fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO). In severe CDH, FETO may improve survival. In the moderate cases, the prematurity induced by the plug-unplug strategy limits the benefit from the lung growth induced by tracheal occlusion.

One of the main drawbacks of FETO is the need for in-utero reversal of tracheal occlusion by the balloon, as the current procedure involves re-establishment of patent airways either electively at 34 weeks' gestation or earlier if required, ideally at least 24 h before birth. Unfortunately, removal of the balloon is a difficult, invasive, and risky procedure. Furthermore, it requires a specialist team to be able to reverse the occlusion at all times. As a result, it is recommended that the patient stays close to a FETO center during the whole duration of the occlusion, which may limit the acceptability of FETO.

The Smart-TO balloon allows an easy, remotely controlled, and non-invasive reversal occlusion, so it allows to overcome issues related to the airway reestablishment. The technology solution is based on a magnetic valve that opens under the influence of the peripheral magnetic field around a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. The opening of the valve induces the deflation of the balloon, which is then washed out by the fluid coming out from the lungs.

The purpose of this study is to make the proof of concept and to evaluate the safety of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) using Smart-TO device in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and moderate to severe pulmonary hypoplasia. Secondary objectives include evaluation of prematurity, preterm premature rupture of membranes, lung growth, and survival at discharge in case of FETO with Smart-TO balloon.

FETO with Smart-TO balloon will be performed between 27 and 31wks + 6 days depending on the severity of pulmonary hypoplasia, according to the same technique that is used with the balloon usually used for FETO procedure. The unplug procedure will be performed between 34 and 34wks + 6 days or earlier if required. The patient will be asked to make a peripheral course around the MR scanner in order to open the magnetic valve and induce the deflation of the balloon. Ultrasound scan will be performed before and after the unplug procedure, in order to check the balloon did not deflate spontaneously at the time of the unplug, and to check the balloon deflates thanks to the magnetic fringe field of the MR scan. Expelling of the Smart-TO balloon outside the airways will be check at birth by a thorax X-ray.

Patients will be monitored during the whole duration of the study so serious unexpected or adverse reactions can be recorded.