Umbilical cord patch used in womb to repair spina bifida

NCT ID NCT04243889

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new way to repair spina bifida before birth using a tiny camera and a patch made from donated human umbilical cord tissue. The patch is placed over the spinal cord to create a watertight seal, which may reduce problems after birth. The trial includes 50 pregnant women carrying a baby with spina bifida, and the surgery is done between 22 and 25 weeks of pregnancy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cryopreserved human umbilical cord allograft (NEOX Cord 1K)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a less invasive way to repair spina bifida before birth, potentially reducing the need for postnatal surgeries and improving outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure is complex and carries risks for both mother and fetus, including preterm birth or failed repair.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myelomeningocele myeloschisis spina bifida

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MYELOMENINGOCELE MYELOSCHISIS SPINA BIFIDA

Contacts and locations

Locations

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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