Vasa previa is a medical condition in which blood vessels from the placenta or umbilical cord cross the birth canal opening ahead of the fetus. As birth approaches and the cervix dilates, these vessels may tear, with massive and rapid blood loss in the fetus. A gelatin-like tissue called Wharton’s jelly lines the umbilical cord and normally cushions and protects the fetal blood vessels inside. Sometimes, however, these vessels do not insert into the center of the placenta as they should. Instead, they travel across the fetal the membranes to the placenta before joining the cord. Wharton’s jelly does not protect the exposed vessels, and when they are outside the tissue in the placenta, they are at risk of tearing or compression. If the blood vessels do not tear, they may become trapped and pinched between the fetus and the birth canal walls, depriving the fetus of oxygen and causing permanent brain damage.
When vasa previa goes undiagnosed until delivery, the majority of affected babies are stillborn. If vasa previa is diagnosed properly, however, a cesarean delivery can be performed before labor begins and the blood vessels are torn or pinched. This procedure can save the baby’s life or prevent irreversible harm to the brain. Failure to diagnose vasa previa may lead to a fatal delay in the obstetrician performing a caesarean section.
Unfortunately, according to the International Vasa Previa Foundation, “physicians are often poorly educated about vasa previa; furthermore they often consider the condition to be rare. Therefore, they are often caught totally unaware when vasa previa does occur.” Studies have shown, however, that early detection of vasa previa can be made using transvaginal sonography, preferably in combination with color Doppler ultrasound. Prenatal sonographic screening using targeted scans for vasa previa has been found likely to significantly impact the likelihood of fetal death or serious injury.
Whether an obstetrician failed to diagnose vasa previa is a complex medical question. Even if failure to diagnose occurred, an attorney must determine whether the doctor’s conduct fell below the required medical standard of care. These complexities make a medical malpractice lawyer essential in every case where medical negligence causing birth injury is suspected.
If you believe that vasa previa or another birth injury may have contributed to the death or brain damage of an infant, Portland medical malpractice lawyer Dane Johnson provides a free, confidential, and compassionate consultation to answer your questions and discuss your legal rights. Call the Law Office of Dane E. Johnson toll free at (800) 714-3204. If you prefer, you may also communicate with us about your potential case online.
Related Web Resources
International Vasa Previa Society
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