Procedural Analysis of In Utero Embolization for Fetal Vein of Galen Malformation 🅴

Reviewed by Dr Reza Lankarani, General SurgeonFounder | Surgical Pioneering Newsletter and Podcast Series Editorial Board Member | Genesis Journal of Surgery and MedicineThis review is provided as a courtesy of Professor Alireza A. Shamshirsaz (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School Chief, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Surgery | Director, Fetal Care and Surgery Center | Director, Perinatal Surgery Fellowship), whose contributions to fetal surgery and maternal-fetal medicine were instrumental in this groundbreaking work. For full details, refer to the original publication [JAMA, August 2025].DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.12363IntroductionVein of Galen malformation (VOGM) is a rare, life-threateningcongenital cerebral arteriovenous shunt most commonly diagnosedin late gestation or the neonatal period. The advent of prenatalimaging has enabled earlier diagnosis, and recent developmentsin interventional radiology and fetal therapy have introduced inutero embolization as a potential option for high-risk cases. Thisreport provides an in-depth, paragraph-driven narrative and visualanalysis of the in utero embolization procedure for fetal VOGM,detailing the relevant cerebrovascular anatomy, imaging modalities,procedural workflow, medical equipment, anesthesia protocol, andmultidisciplinary care. Special attention is given to educationalstrategies and visual representation, aiming to facilitate a deepunderstanding of this pioneering prenatal intervention.To access additional details, please refer to the Surgical Pioneering Podcast Series application available at the following link:https://Surgicalpioneer.codeadx.me

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