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Fetal MedicineSurgery

Fetal Treatment Center

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(800) 793-3887

The UCSF Fetal Treatment Center is a world leader in diagnosing and treating birth defects before delivery. We performed the first successful open fetal surgery in 1981 and have more experience than any institution worldwide with both open and minimally invasive fetal surgery.

Our multidisciplinary approach – which includes fetal and pediatric surgeons, radiologists, perinatologists, neonatologists, cardiologists, urologists, geneticists, anesthesiologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, nurses and social workers – ensures that our patients receive comprehensive care. We are also the only California hospital with a specialized clinic dedicated to long-term follow-up care for children with complex birth defects, and one of the few in the nation to offer fetal exome sequencing – a cutting-edge genetic test for women with complicated pregnancies.

We treat the full range of fetal defects, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart disease, twin pregnancy complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, spina bifida and genetic diseases. We pioneered many of the fetal surgeries now in practice and are experts in open fetal surgery as well as less invasive methods, such as fetal endoscopic surgery (Fetendo) and image-guided fetal surgery.

The Fetal Treatment Center is part of the Neonatal Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, which cares for premature and critically ill infants with congenital heart defects with the aim of supporting their long-term cardiovascular health and neurological development.

Our locations (2)

    Related conditions

    Special programs

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    Early Anatomy Evaluation Program

    UCSF offers advanced prenatal imaging to evaluate fetal development and identify abnormalities early in pregnancy.

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    Fetal Exome Sequencing Program

    UCSF is one of the few hospitals in the nation to offer fetal exome sequencing – a cutting-edge genetic test for women with complicated pregnancies.

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    Hydrops Center of Excellence

    We provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services when a fetus is threatened by hydrops fetalis, a dangerous buildup of fluid in the body.

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    Our team

    View providers by category
    • Main staff (29)
    • Consulting staff (51)

    Our calling

    Hear from our providers about how they center the needs of patients and families in their work.

    Our awesome doctors, nurses and other experts love working with kids and families.

    Dr. Hanmin Lee, surgeon-in-chief

    Janice Scudmore, nurse practitioner

    Dr. Vickie Feldstein, radiologist

    Patient stories

    Healing a body, even before birth

    When a routine ultrasound led to a frightening diagnosis, the Alcorn family sought help at UCSF.

    Birth of a procedure

    Experts at the UCSF Fetal Treatment Center pioneered a lifesaving surgical approach.

    Fetal therapy for genetic diseases

    An experimental treatment, delivered in utero, offers hope to patients with rare genetic disorders. (Image courtesy of André Coutu/Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.)

    Read Ayla's story

    Awards & recognition

    • Best in California and No. 5 in the nation for neonatology

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    • successful open fetal surgery in the world

    • in number of fetal surgery clinical trials

    Cutting-edge research

    Our experts conduct pioneering research in maternal-fetal medicine, including clinical trials of promising new treatments, that supports the advanced care we provide to patients.

    Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine
    Clinical Trial: In Utero Enzyme Replacement Therapy
    Clinical Trial: Alpha Thalassemia
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    Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy

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    In Utero Enzyme Replacement Therapy (IUERT) for Fetuses with Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSDs)

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    In Utero Intervention for Alpha-thalassemia Major (ATM)

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    Surveillance and Treatment to Prevent Fetal Atrioventricular Block Likely to Occur Quickly (STOP BLOQ)

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    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-fetal-treatment-center-research-2x

      UCSF Fetal Treatment Center Research

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    • Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine

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    • ucsf-division-of-pediatric-surgery-research-2x

      UCSF Division of Pediatric Surgery Research

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    Michael R. Harrison, M.D.

    In 1981, Dr. Michael Harrison performed the first successful open surgery on a child still in the womb to correct a life-threatening birth defect, making UCSF the birthplace of fetal surgery. He co-founded and is director emeritus of UCSF's Fetal Treatment Center, a world leader in treating complex birth defects before and after birth.

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your pregnancy
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    Related clinics (5)

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    Fetal Cardiovascular Program

    Fetal Cardiovascular Program

    San Francisco / Oakland / Berkeley / Brentwood / Fairfield / Fremont / G...
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    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    Cardiothoracic Surgery Program

    San Francisco / Oakland
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    General Surgery Clinic

    General Surgery Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Fremont / San Ramon / Walnut Creek
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    LIFE Clinic

    LIFE Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

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    Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

    Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

    San Francisco / Oakland

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

    family-support-program-2x

    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

    school-program-2x

    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    School Re-Entry Program

    After hospitalization, we help kids return to school by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    Stress-free visits

    Accommodations. Admissions. Procedure prep. Get the info you need for smoother hospital stays.

    Prepare for your child's stay

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