Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that may be performed in utero for monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies in which one fetus is very sick and places the other in danger of death or permanent brain injury. In these cases, the best course of action may be to stop the blood supply to the sick fetus in order to protect the healthy one.

At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, RFA can be performed via a minimally invasive needle procedure in the operating room with the mother under intravenous sedation.

After surgery, you will be transferred to the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit for a typical postoperative stay of three to four hours. During this time, you are carefully monitored for complications. Mothers are typically on modified bed rest for three weeks after the procedure.

After discharge from our Center's care, we generally arrange a follow-up ultrasound in one week after which you may return to your referring doctor for ongoing care and delivery.