FETAL-SEALING: Sealing membrane technolgy after fetoscopic fetal surgery

Fetal endoscopic surgery (fetoscopy), performed in approximately 100,000 pregnancies per year, requires perforation of the maternal membranes surrounding the fetus. These membranes have no capacity to heal, leading to iatrogenic preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (iPPROM) in around 30% of cases. iPPROM is the most frequent complication of fetoscopy and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including increased risk of preterm birth, reduced fetal survival, and severe neonatal morbidity.

The aim of this project is to develop an integrated sealing system capable of effectively covering membrane perforations and thereby preventing iPPROM. We have designed an innovative prototype consisting of a self-deployable patch with a velcro-like microhook system, combined with a pre-coated bioadhesive that is activated under wet conditions. This unique design provides gentle, flexible, and natural-like adhesion, allowing the defect to be sealed efficiently without causing damage to the surrounding tissues.

The project is expected to generate robust scientific evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the proposed sealing system. Validation will be performed both in ex vivo models and in real clinical scenarios to demonstrate the viability of the solution. The project is a Calalan research consortium between the Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS)and Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) as a partner, and is funded by Fundació La Marató de TV3 2023 on sexual and reproductive health (Ref. 202409-31)