Embryoscopy and early prenatal diagnosis

Embryoscopy is a new technique that allows direct visualization of the embryo/fetus as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. A rigid fiberoptic endoscope is passed transcervically into the extracoelomic cavity and is used to identify developmental milestones and diagnose structural anomalies. Fetal blood sampling has also been performed, and using this technology, has established the feasibility of access to the human embryonic circulation. Future applications for embryoscopy include direct targeted embryonic or fetal interventions, such as gene or stem cell therapy.