Ultrasound needle guidance for amniocentesis in pregnancies with low amniotic fluid
McGahan, J.P.; Tennant, F.; Hanson, F.W.; Lindfors, K.K.; Quilligan, E.J.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 32(7): 513-516
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 3305927 Document Number: 303973
In six pregnancies accompanied by oligohydramnios (three cases) or decreased amniotic fluid and maternal obesity (three cases), needles specifically designed for use with ultrasound were successfully utilized in combination with real-time ultrasound guidance for amniocentesis. There was successful fluid retrieval in all six, with two requiring more than one needle pass. All three cases accompanied by oligohydramnios later resulted in fetal death. In the three cases accompanied by decreased amniotic fluid and maternal obesity, the amniocentesis results were helpful in ensuring the existence of a normal pregnancy. A specially designed ultrasound needle used in combination with a real-time guidance system is helpful in the performance of difficult amniocentesis.