In a number of unborn children, a malformation of the cardiac conduction system causes a temporary or persistent rapid heartbeat while still in the womb. The heart rate is typically above 220 beats per minute. In most cases, these so-called supraventricular tachycardias can be successfully treated by administering medication to the mother. The medication then reaches the unborn child via the placenta.
Only in rare cases does the child develop life-threatening heart failure that cannot be controlled with medication. For these children, the DZFT offers a new diagnostic and therapeutic procedure: Using an electrocatheter placed in the esophagus of the unborn child via fetoscopy, an accurate diagnosis of the arrhythmia can be made, the rapid heartbeat can be stopped using electrical impulses, and the medication can be optimized. This procedure can be used between the 23rd and 35th week of pregnancy, particularly in cases of therapy-resistant atrial flutter.
If you have any further questions about the minimally invasive treatment of this prenatal condition, you can reach us daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on (0175) 597-1213 or send us an email. If you only reach our answering machine, please leave your name and a phone number where we can call you back.
Note: The content of our website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace personal consultation with us or other recognized medical specialists in this field. For all individual questions and decisions regarding your health and that of your child, we strongly recommend that you and your family members consult us, your doctor, and/or other experts in person.