Plain-English translation of NCT02986087 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing fetal tracheal occlusion (FETO), a minimally invasive prenatal surgical procedure for pregnant people carrying a baby with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia—a condition where the baby's diaphragm (the muscle that controls breathing) doesn't form properly, allowing organs to move into the chest and compress the lungs. By temporarily blocking the baby's windpipe during pregnancy, this treatment encourages the lungs to expand and develop more fully. The surgery is performed through a tiny camera passed through the mother's uterus, and the blockage is removed before birth so the baby can breathe normally.
Babies born with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia often have underdeveloped lungs that struggle to work after birth, leading to serious breathing problems and sometimes death. This trial is testing whether the FETO procedure can help these babies' lungs grow larger and stronger during pregnancy, improving their chances of survival and reducing breathing complications after delivery.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you qualify, you will undergo a minimally invasive fetal surgery performed by specialists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. During the procedure, a tiny camera is inserted through the uterus to place a small balloon in the baby's windpipe; this balloon is then removed before delivery. You will need to remain in the Cincinnati area for ongoing monitoring throughout the rest of your pregnancy to ensure both you and your baby are doing well. The research team will track your pregnancy progress and your baby's lung development with ultrasounds and other imaging until delivery.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 15, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Enrollment target
~40 participants
Started
November 2016
Primary completion
December 2025
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
Female only
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in May 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Foong-Yen Lim, MD
CCHMC Oversight Data Safety Monitoring Committee
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.