Launched on 1/8, Vinmec's fetal medicine department builds upon the system's existing strengths in obstetrics, diagnostic imaging, genetics, anesthesia and resuscitation, neonatology, and neonatal resuscitation.
Leveraging these advantages, the department offers a comprehensive range of globally advanced fetal medicine techniques. These include prenatal genetic diagnosis, specialized morphological ultrasound, fetoscopic surgery, intrauterine blood transfusions, treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and management of conditions such as diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary hypoplasia, heart defects, thalassemia, fetal anemia, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth. These services aim to provide brighter futures for babies yet to be born.
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Doctor Dinh Thi Hien Le, head of the fetal medicine department, introduced fetal intervention techniques to Vietnam. Photo: Vinmec |
Doctor Dinh Thi Hien Le, head of the fetal medicine department, introduced fetal intervention techniques to Vietnam. Photo: Vinmec
At the launch, Doctor Dinh Thi Hien Le, head of the fetal medicine department, explained that fetal intervention is a field with a fine line between treatment and risk. Success requires not only deep expertise and modern equipment but also close collaboration between specialties and trust from the mother. "We always carefully consider and consult with specialists and other departments to determine the optimal approach for each mother and fetus," Dr. Le said. She pioneered fetal intervention techniques in Vietnam and has personally performed hundreds of complex procedures, saving numerous fetuses with severe conditions.
Fetal medicine is a modern obstetrics and gynecology specialty that treats the fetus as an independent patient, allowing for diagnosis and treatment while still in the womb. By utilizing advancements in imaging, genetics, endoscopy, blood transfusions, and minimally invasive surgery, Vinmec's fetal medicine department can intervene early and effectively in various fetal abnormalities and pregnancy complications, improving outcomes for the unborn child.
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Doctor Dinh Thi Hien Le and her team perform fetal intervention, saving many fetuses with severe conditions. Photo: Vinmec |
Doctor Dinh Thi Hien Le and her team perform fetal intervention, saving many fetuses with severe conditions. Photo: Vinmec
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 8 million children are born with at least one birth defect annually, with 240,000 dying within the first 28 days of life. In Vietnam, this number is estimated at around 40,000 cases each year. However, due to the high requirements for expertise, equipment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, fetal medicine has not yet become widespread.
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Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Ba Nha, director of the Women's Health Center (Vinmec Times City), speaks at the launch of the fetal medicine department. Photo: Vinmec |
Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Ba Nha, director of the Women's Health Center (Vinmec Times City), speaks at the launch of the fetal medicine department. Photo: Vinmec
Speaking about the establishment of the department, Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Ba Nha, director of the Women's Health Center at Vinmec Times City Hospital, stated: "Vinmec believes that life begins with belief. With the fetal medicine department, we believe that medicine is not just about treating illness but also about preserving miracles."
The development of this department makes Vinmec one of the first private healthcare facilities in Vietnam to comprehensively deploy internationally standardized prenatal diagnostic and treatment techniques. This marks a significant advancement in the professional activities of the private healthcare system in the country.
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The family of a "little warrior," a child who underwent fetal intervention, attends the event to express gratitude to the doctors. Photo: Vinmec |
The family of a "little warrior," a child who underwent fetal intervention, attends the event to express gratitude to the doctors. Photo: Vinmec
Vinmec plans to expand international collaborations, connecting with leading fetal medicine centers worldwide, participating in global consultation and research networks, and providing training and technology transfer to domestic hospitals to disseminate knowledge and improve pregnancy care nationwide.
This initiative is part of Vinmec's strategy to develop internationally standardized, specialized, academic medicine, aiming to become a leading academic healthcare system in the region by 2030.
The Dan
For consultations, screening, and specialized monitoring during high-risk pregnancies, please schedule an appointment with Doctor Dinh Thi Hien Le, head of the fetal medicine department at the Women's Health Center – Vinmec Times City, through the vinmec.com website or the MyVinmec app.
