NCT06739356 · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
North American Fetal Therapy Network for Long-term Outcome Following Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion in Severe Left and Right Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to evaluate successful placement and removal of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) device in cases of intrathoracic liver herniation with isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (LCDH) with Observed/Expected (O/E) Lung to Head Circumference Ratio (LHR) \< 30% or isolated right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH) with O/E LHR \< 45%,to compare survival to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation and isolated LCDH with O/E LHR \< 30% that receive FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29weeks 6 days of gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated LCDH and o/e LRH \< 30% that undergo expectant management, to compare the neonatal survival rate to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD with o/e LHR \< 45% that undergo FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29 weeks 6 days gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD and o/e LHR \< 45% that elect to proceed with expectant management, to evaluate the frequency of maternal and fetal complications associated with FETO procedure, to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated LCDH survivors with o/e LHR \<30% when compared to isolated LCDH with o/e LRH \<30% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation and to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated RCDH survivors with o/e LHR ≤ 45% when compared to isolated RCHD with LHR \< 45% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate successful placement and removal of Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) device in cases of intrathoracic liver herniation with isolated left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (LCDH) with Observed/Expected (O/E) Lung to Head Circumference Ratio (LHR) \< 30% or isolated right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (RCDH) with O/E LHR \< 45%,to compare survival to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation and isolated LCDH with O/E LHR \< 30% that receive FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29weeks 6 days of gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated LCDH and o/e LRH \< 30% that undergo expectant management, to compare the neonatal survival rate to discharge from the neonatal intensive care units (NICU), between fetuses with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD with o/e LHR \< 45% that undergo FETO procedure performed at 27 weeks 0 days to 29 weeks 6 days gestation to those with intrathoracic liver herniation, isolated RCHD and o/e LHR \< 45% that elect to proceed with expectant management, to evaluate the frequency of maternal and fetal complications associated with FETO procedure, to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated LCDH survivors with o/e LHR \<30% when compared to isolated LCDH with o/e LRH \<30% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation and to evaluate whether the FETO procedure is associated with reduced long-term mortality and morbidities in isolated RCDH survivors with o/e LHR ≤ 45% when compared to isolated RCHD with LHR \< 45% that undergo expectant management where all fetuses were found to have intrathoracic liver herniation
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Pregnant women who are able to consent
- Singleton pregnancy
- Normal Karyotype, chromosomal microanalysis (CMA) with non-pathologic variants, Whole exome sequencing (WES) or whole genome sequencing (WGS) . Results by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) will be acceptable if the patient is \> 26 weeks
- Gestational age at enrollment is prior to 296 wks.
- Intrathoracic liver herniation
- Isolated left CDH with o/e LHR \< 30% at enrollment (180 to 295 wks.). or
- Isolated RCDH with o/e LHR \< 45% at enrollment (180 to 295 wks.)
- Cervical length by transvaginal ultrasound \> 20 mm within 24 hours prior to FETO procedure
- Patient meets psychosocial criteria
- Informed consent understood
Exclusion criteria
- History of natural rubber latex allergy
- Preterm labor, cervix shortened (\<20 mm at enrollment or within 24 hours of FETO balloon insertion procedure) or uterine anomaly strongly predisposing to preterm labor, placenta previa.
- Psychosocial ineligibility, precluding consent:
- Inability to reside within 30 minutes of University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Fetal Center
- The patient does not have a support person (e.g., spouse, partner, mother) available to stay with the patient for the duration of the pregnancy at UTHealth Houston Fetal Center
- Bilateral CDH, isolated left sided CDH with O/E LHR ≥ 30% (measured at 180 to 295 weeks), isolated right sided CDH with O/E LHR \> 45% (measured at 180 to 295 weeks), as determined by ultrasound
- No liver herniation into thoracic cavity
- Additional fetal anomaly and chromosomal abnormalities by ultrasound, MRI, or echocardiogram at the fetal treatment center. Exclude chromosomal abnormalities, associated anomalies recognized to alter survival prognosis (i.e., CDH and congenital heart disease) or presence of an underlying genetic syndrome (i.e., Fryns).
- Maternal contraindication to fetoscopic surgery or severe maternal medical condition in pregnancy
- History of incompetent cervix with or without cerclage
- Placental abnormalities (previa, abruption, accreta) known at time of enrollment
- Maternal-fetal Rh isoimmunization, Kell sensitization or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia affecting the current pregnancy
- Maternal HIV, Hepatitis-B, Hepatitis-C status positive because of the increased risk of transmission to the fetus during maternal-fetal surgery. If the patient's HIV or Hepatitis status is unknown, the patient must be tested and found to have negative results before enrollment
- Uterine anomalies such as large or multiple fibroids or Mullerian duct abnormality
- There is no safe or technically feasible fetoscopic approach to balloon placement
- Participation in another intervention study that influences maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. or participation in this trial in a previous pregnancy
Where
- Houston, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 19, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations