Chorionic Villi Sampling by Means of a New Endoscopic Device

The idea of chorion visualization as a possible technique for the detection of pathologies is not new, having already been conceived by Bozzini, who developed endoscopy (Ghirardini, to be published). In over 2 years of research, we devised a new endoscopic method of chorion visualization and chorionic biopsy for first trimester fetal diagnosis. After attempts with different hysteroscopic techniques, the difficulty in obtaining good results in chorionic villi sampling (CVS) using hysteroscopic instruments and methods soon became evident. This preliminary experience was never the less useful in understanding the problems hampering the further development of a new endoscopic technique for CVS. Here, the technical aspects of this new method are reported and discussed.