Welcome Message from Diploma Course Director

Prof. LEUNG Tak Yeung

The past two decades have yielded profound advances in the fields of prenatal diagnosis and fetal treatment. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have led to more accurate diagnosis of fetal anomalies at an earlier gestation. Concomitantly, improvements in minimally invasive techniques such as fetoscopy and ultrasound guided procedures have allowed for more successful and safer in utero interventions for fetal diseases. Successful examples include fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome, radiofrequency ablation for selective fetal reduction, fetosocpic endotracheal balloon occlusion for diaphragmatic hernia, which are shown to improve the survival of the affected fetuses. We are the referral centre for these advanced treatments in Hong Kong as well as in Asia.

With the improved outcomes, the demand for training on these special skills has been increasing. Yet a structured and comprehensive training course in this area is lacking. We have been holding the annual Asia Pacific Congress in Fetal Therapy in the last few years, as well as short hand-on practical courses. With our professional and teaching experiences as well as the strong network with experts in the field, our programme can provide an excellent training to professionals in Asia.

Prospective Students

Applicants should have medical or nursing related Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Past academic records, working experiences and reference letters will be considered in the admission decision. There may be personal interview(s) for shortlisted candidates.

Objectives

Our programme aims at offering a structured and comprehensive training on fetal therapy. It cover the fetal anatomy and physiology, and as well as practical skills (e.g ultrasound and fetoscopy) and technological advances (e.g. pharmacology, surgical instruments and genetic and stem cell transplantation) that are useful in fetal intervention.

Overall Curriculum

To qualify for conferment of Professional Diploma in Fetal Therapy, 120 teaching hours must be completed from courses over two years in part-time mode.

Complicated multiple pregnancies and fetoscopic laser

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of Chorioamnionicity and Twin-twin-transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and Twin anaemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS)

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing TTTS and TAPS Syllabus:

Complicated multiple pregnancies and fetal reduction

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS) and Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR).

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing TRAPS and sFGR

Fetal anaemia and in utero transfusion, and amniotic fluid abnormalities

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of fetal anaemia and amniotic fluid abnormalities

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing fetal anaemia, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios

Fetal hydrothorax and lung masses and in utero treatment

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of fetal hydrothorax and abnormal lung masses

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing fetal hydrothorax and abnormal lung tumours

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) and in utero shunting; other fetal tumours

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of LUTO and other fetal tumours

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing LUTO and other fetal tumours

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and fetoscopic endotracheal balloon occlusion (FETO)

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of CDH

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing CDH, and understanding the principle of FETO

Fetal Spina bifida

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of spina bifida

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing spina bifida, and understanding the principle of in utero repair

Fetal cardiac diseases, and hands on workshop

Description:

– pathology, diagnosis and treatment of selected fetal cardiac diseases
– hands-on workshop of commonly performed fetal surgical intervention

Learning outcomes:

– competent in diagnosing and managing fetal arrhythmias,
and understanding the principle of in utero and postnatal intervention
– experience of commonly performed fetal surgical intervention

Fetal infection, autoimmune diseases
and other medical treatments

Description: pathology, diagnosis and treatment of fetal infection, alloimmune diseases, prematurity and growth restriction

Learning outcomes: competent in diagnosing and managing fetal infection and alloimmune diseases with medical modalities

Fetal genetic diseases, stem cell and gene therapy

Description: introduction of stem cell and gene therapies, with common examples

Learning outcomes: understanding the principle of stem cell and gene therapies in clinical practice

Highlights Video Teaching Resources on Fetal Therapy Technique

Chorioangioma Embolization

Bronchopulmonary Sequestration Radiofrequency Ablation

CVS from Posteriorly located Placentae: Methods to overcome difficulties

Professional Diploma in Fetal Therapy