The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) has announced the establishment of the UTHealth Houston Fetal Institute, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to advancing fetal medicine through clinical care, research discovery, and education. This development comes five years after the first fetoscopic spina bifida repair surgery using an innovative patch developed by UTHealth Houston researchers.
The patch, which employs donated cryopreserved umbilical cord to repair a baby's spine in utero for spina bifida, was pioneered by a team led by Dr. Ramesha Papanna. Dr. Papanna serves as the executive director of the new institute and emphasized the importance of innovation in fetal medicine: “Fetal medicine and surgery are at an inflection point, shaped by rapid technological advancements.”
The institute will focus on fetal intervention, maternal-fetal care, early genetic testing, maternal mental health, fetal diagnosis and therapies, and research discoveries. It will collaborate with several schools within UTHealth Houston and Children's Mercy Research Institute in Kansas City.
Dr. Kevin Morano expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “We are excited to see the launch of this new Fetal Institute that combines the strengths of our fetal medicine teams.” The institute's creation is supported by various departments within UTHealth Houston.
Dr. Sean Blackwell praised Dr. Papanna’s vision for future fetal therapy: “Being on the cutting edge of research and innovative care is a key part of our mission; it’s why we are here at UTHealth Houston.”
The institute builds upon the success of the existing UTHealth Houston Fetal Center co-directed by Drs. KuoJen Tsao and Anthony Johnson. Dr. Tsao noted their ongoing commitment to advanced patient care: “Entrusting us to care for them during one of the most challenging times of their lives is a privilege.”
Dr. Johnson highlighted UTHealth Houston's dedication to critical research in fetal medicine: “With the establishment of the Fetal Institute, UTHealth Houston has demonstrated the university’s commitment to critical research and clinical care in the rapidly expanding field of fetal medicine.”
Key leaders involved with this initiative include Drs. Jerrie Refuerzo, Lovepreet Mann, Jimmy Espinoza; Blair Stevens; and Ashley E. Salazar from UTHealth's Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences.
