Ep. 86 Understanding Fetal & Maternal Interventions: Procedures & Outcomes with Dr. Hiba Mustafa

Step inside the evolving world of fetal therapy where precision, teamwork, and full-spectrum care matter most. In this episode of the BackTable OBGYN Podcast, Dr. Anthony Shanks, Vice Chair of Education in the OB department at Indiana University School of Medicine, interviews Dr. Hiba Mustafa, a distinguished maternal-fetal medicine specialist and fetal interventionalist at Riley Children's Hospital. They discuss Dr. Mustafa's expertise in fetal diagnosis and therapy, her training journey through various fellowships, and her role in directing multiple fetal medicine programs. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Mustafa elaborates on the intricacies of fetal interventions, including procedures for complications in monochorionic twins, spina bifida repair, and new emerging therapies. They also touch on research methodologies like the Delphi consensus technique and summarize key findings from recent studies on conditions such as hemolytic disease, gastroschisis, lower urinary tract obstructions, and preterm birth in twin pregnancies. Dr. Mustafa shares insights on how to stay sharp in the field, the importance of teamwork in surgical procedures, and advice for those aspiring to enter the field of fetal therapy. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:45 - The Role of a Fetal Interventionalist04:00 - Dr. Mustafa’s Training Journey07:42 - Fetal Surgery Fellowships16:43 - Conditions Treated by Fetal Interventionalists21:17 - Monitoring and Referrals for Monochorionic Twins30:04 - Understanding Percutaneous Procedures31:10 - Navigating the Equator in Fetal Surgery32:31 - Laser Surgery Techniques and Outcomes33:18 - The Importance of Placenta Delivery33:47 - In Utero Spina Bifida Repair36:19 - Minimally Invasive Techniques for Spina Bifida38:28 - Maintaining Skills in Fetal Interventions42:11 - Delphi Consensus Technique in Medical Research46:19 - Key Takeaways from Recent Research51:55 - Future of Fetal Therapy and Personal Insights