Balloon in the womb may save babies with rare birth defect
NCT ID NCT00881660
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested a procedure called FETO (fetal endotracheal occlusion) in 20 pregnant women whose babies had a severe form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In CDH, a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest, preventing the lungs from growing normally. The procedure involves placing a small balloon in the baby's windpipe to block it temporarily, which helps the lungs expand and develop. The balloon is removed before birth. The main goal was to see if the procedure could improve survival to two years of age.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Goldballoon Detachable Balloon and delivery microcatheter
What this could lead to
If successful, FETO could improve survival rates for babies born with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia by allowing their lungs to develop before birth.
What could go wrong
This was a small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to all cases. The procedure carries risks for both mother and fetus, including premature delivery or complications from balloon placement.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Texas Children's Hospital
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States