Current Projects
Synthetic Amniotic Fluid
Dr. Forde and his research partners developed a synthetic amniotic fluid to best maximize the amnion health at the time of fetal interventions. This synthetic fluid, Amnio-well, is currently in animal trials to establish the best formulation to optimize the amniotic membrane health at the time of the fetal interventions. They are also studying the impact of Amnio-well on the developing fetal lungs and gastrointestinal tract, with the goal of human trials in the future.Innovation in Fetal Surgery
The lab is investigating other ways to advance the field of fetal surgery. The Forde lab is trialing uterine closure devices to close the uterine defects created at the time of fetal interventions. The lab is also working with mechanical and bio-engineers to design newer, smaller surgical tools, deployed through smaller catheters to make fetal surgery even more minimally invasive.Preterm Birth / Perinatal Outcomes
The lab is studying population data for analysis of risk factors of preterm birth as well as perinatal factors which impact neonatal survival. The lab is also studying biomarkers in the amniotic fluid at the time of fetal interventions to better understand the acute stress a fetus experiences during surgery.
Contributors
Peiro Lab
Lim Lab
Tilburgs Lab
Emily DeFranco, DO MS
