Augmented Reality-Assisted Fetal Endoscopic Surgery for Cervical Lymphatic Malformations: Impact on Post-Natal Swallowing and Airway Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i3.1105Keywords:
Cervical lymphatic malformation; Fetal endoscopic surgery; Augmented reality; Swallowing; Airway; FetoscopyAbstract
Introduction: Cervical lymphatic malformations (CLM) are congenital vascular anomalies causing severe neonatal airway obstruction and dysphagia. Prenatal treatment is challenging due to visualization and precision limitations. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of cervical CLM and develop an unvalidated conceptual (in silico) model to generate hypotheses about the possible application of augmented reality (AR) in fetal surgery. Methods: A PRISMA 2020 systematic review (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus; 2015-2026) and an unvalidated conceptual in silico model of fetoscopy with AR navigation, presented exclusively as a hypothesis-generating tool. Results: The review (18 studies, n=324 fetuses/neonates) showed that CLM >4 cm are associated with critical airway obstruction in 78% (95%CI:71-85%) and severe dysphagia in 65% (95%CI:57-73%). The unvalidated conceptual model hypothetically suggested that AR could achieve volume reductions in the range of 80-90% and ablation precision <1 mm, with potential post-natal morbidity reductions of 80-90%. Conclusions: Current evidence shows high morbidity of postnatal management of large CLM. The conceptual model generates promising hypotheses but requires experimental validation in animal models before any clinical application.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Eduardo Enrique Viteri Parraga, George Antonio Soledispa Chancay, Diego Roberto Orrala Mendoza , Melina Melissa Mera Mera, Mayra Alejandra López Vallejo, Adriana Estefania Pilozo Peñafiel
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