Magnetic balloon offers hope for babies with severe birth defect

This study tested a new, smarter balloon device for a fetal surgery called FETO, which is performed on babies still in the womb who have a severe form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The goal was to see if this new magnetic balloon, which can be deflated using an MRI scanner instead of a second surgery, is safe and works as intended. The procedure aims to help the baby's lungs grow before birth to improve their chances of survival and breathing on their own after delivery.