Can a tiny balloon in the womb help babies breathe?
NCT ID NCT07767825
First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Summary
This pilot trial tests a procedure called FETO for fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a condition where the diaphragm has a hole and the lungs don't develop fully. In FETO, a balloon is temporarily placed in the fetal windpipe to encourage lung growth, then removed before birth. The study enrolls 10 pregnant individuals and aims to see if the balloon can be safely placed and removed. If it works, this could offer a new way to improve outcomes for these babies.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) using a detachable balloon
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this procedure could improve lung growth and survival for babies with severe CDH, offering a new treatment option before birth.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study focused on feasibility, not proof of benefit. The procedure carries risks to both mother and fetus, and results may not generalize.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SEVERE CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, 10016, United States