Rocket Medical Rocket KCH Fetal Bladder Drain Instrucciones página 2

Relieving pressure in your baby's urinary tract:
An obstructed urinary tract is normally discovered during a routine ultrasound examination. Once identified, your doctor will perform
additional tests to see if your baby has other health related conditions. These additional tests can include:

a more detailed ultrasound examination to see if your baby has any other physical problems.

chromosomal testing.
Chromosomal testing is commonly performed in one of two ways:
The first is called chorionic villus sampling or CVS. The doctor inserts a fine catheter or needle into your uterus and removes a
small tissue sample. The second method is called amniocentesis and in this case, the doctor will insert a needle through your
abdomen and remove a sample of your amniotic fluid. This tissue or fluid is then studied to see if your baby has other health
conditions.
Finally, the doctor may need to study your baby's urine over a short period to determine how well your baby's kidneys are
functioning. This is normally performed under local anaesthesia and occasionally
sedation for you and the baby if he/she is moving around a great deal. Occasionally, if
there is not enough in the space between your baby and the wall of your uterus your
doctor may also perform an amnio-infusion by infusing warm saline or similar fluid.
Inserting the Rocket® KCH™ Catheter.
The Rocket KCH™ Catheter is placed using ultrasonic monitoring to show it's position
on a screen. Your doctor will insert a special needle through your abdomen and into the
uterus and fetal bladder (image right).
A little of your baby's urine will then be withdrawn through the needle to confirm it is in
the correct place. Your doctor will then insert the catheter into the special needle and
position it so that a coil of catheter in your baby's bladder and another coil outside in
your amniotic space. (lower image).
This allows urine to drain from your baby's bladder into your amniotic sac and relive the
pressure in your baby's urinary system.
The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes. Your doctor may want you to stay in
hospital for observation, but usually only long enough to make sure you and your baby
are fit and well after the procedure.
Your doctor will regularly monitor you to ensure there are no early contractions and that
the baby's heart rate is not abnormal or demonstrating any sign of distress. You will
need to have your next ultrasound examination within 48-72 hours after the procedure
and you will usually need follow-up ultrasound examinations every week until your baby
is born.
The doctor will be examining the position of the Rocket® KCH™ Catheter and checking
to make sure that it is functioning properly. Sometimes, through the baby's movement
or by grasping it, the catheter may come out of your baby's bladder or may become
kinked or blocked. If any of these things happen, the baby's urine will no longer be able
to drain into the amniotic space. Your doctor may need to repeat the procedure and
replace the catheter.
If catheter continues to function well it is usually left in place and removed shortly after
birth. Your doctor will advise you on the most appropriate method of delivery for you
and your baby.
What other techniques can be used to treat my baby's problems?
Your doctor can drain your baby's bladder by regularly inserting a needle directly into
the fetal bladder. However, your doctor will need to do this as often as the pressure
builds up to prevent damage to your baby's kidneys and lungs.
In some cases open fetal surgery can repair the blockage. Your doctor will advise you if
this is appropriate for you and your baby.
Deciding if fetal bladder drainage is best for you and your baby:
The decision to have the placement of the Rocket® KCH™ Catheter or any other
procedure to relieve the urinary pressure is an important decision and is up to you and
your partner. You do not have to have this procedure performed.
You have read about the potential risks of the procedure. You must understand these risks.
You should also know the potential risks of leaving this condition untreated.