Development of next generation fetal therapy for Myelomeningocele using microdevices

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K08617
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55010:General surgery and pediatric surgery-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Miho 大阪大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 助教 (40791728)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 小西 聡 立命館大学, 理工学部, 教授 (50288627)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脊髄髄膜瘤 / 胎児手術 / 次世代治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Over the past three years, we have been developing a device capable of adhering to fetal skin for a week while maintaining the injected cells inside, even in the convex and amniotic fluid-moistened environment of a fetal spina bifida. This task has been extremely challenging, but we achieved the following. Designed the patch with suction holes to create a structure that allows for maximum negative pressure. Incorporated needle structures into the suction holes to ensure long-term adhesion. Included absorbent materials in the suction holes to ensure effective initial suction even in a moist environment. Modified the material and thickness of the structure to conform to the shape of the fetal spina bifida. As a result, we successfully developed a device that can adhere to fetal skin for several hours in a wet environment.

Free Research Field

胎児外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は臨床応用を目指してこれからも動物実験を継続し条件・デバイスの最適化を継続していく予定である。この治療法が臨床応用できた場合には、現在の脊髄髄膜瘤に対する胎児手術（子宮開放手術）もしくは子宮鏡手術よりもより早期にかつ低侵襲な方法で脊髄髄膜瘤完全被覆が可能となるため、さらなる神経機能予後の改善と母体・胎児の合併症の軽減が期待できる。