Fetal Echocardiography with STIC – Advanced Heart Screening by Dr. Kunda Shahane at Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre, Nagpur
The heart is the first organ to develop in a baby, and its health is vital for a smooth pregnancy and healthy birth. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre in Nagpur, Dr. Kunda Shahane specializes in Fetal Echocardiography with Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation (STIC), providing cutting-edge screening for congenital heart defects and abnormalities in unborn babies.
What is Fetal Echocardiography with STIC?
Fetal echocardiography is an advanced ultrasound technique used to evaluate the structure and function of a baby’s heart before birth. When combined with STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation), it allows for the reconstruction of a 3D image of the fetal heart along with a time-based sequence, enabling dynamic visualization of blood flow and movement.
Why is Fetal Echocardiography Important?
Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth abnormalities. Early detection allows for timely diagnosis, management, and planning, including:
- Detailed Cardiac Evaluation: Identifies structural and functional abnormalities.
- Early Diagnosis: Detects heart conditions as early as 18–24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluates the impact on fetal development and future interventions.
- Treatment Planning: Facilitates delivery planning and postnatal surgical corrections.
- Parental Counseling: Prepares parents emotionally and medically for outcomes and treatment options.
Who Needs Fetal Echocardiography with STIC?
This test is recommended for pregnancies with:
- Family History of Heart Disease: Genetic predisposition to cardiac issues.
- Maternal Conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or infections during pregnancy.
- Abnormal Scan Results: Suspicion of heart problems in earlier ultrasounds.
- Multiple Pregnancies: Higher risk of structural defects in twins or triplets.
- IVF Pregnancies: Increased likelihood of abnormalities in assisted pregnancies.
- Increased Nuchal Translucency: Raised risk identified during first-trimester screening.
Advantages of STIC Technology
- 3D and 4D Imaging: Provides multi-dimensional views of the fetal heart.
- Improved Visualization: Captures detailed images of chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns.
- Dynamic Analysis: Evaluates heart motion, helping detect subtle defects.
- Non-Invasive and Safe: A painless procedure using advanced ultrasound techniques.
- Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: Reduces false positives and improves confidence in diagnoses.
Steps Involved in the Procedure
- Preparation: No special preparation required.
- Scan Process: Performed using a transabdominal probe, with real-time monitoring.
- STIC Imaging: Captures multiple planes and integrates them into 3D/4D models.
- Analysis: Evaluates heart anatomy, rhythm, and blood flow patterns.
- Reporting: Detailed findings shared with parents, along with counseling.
When is the Test Performed?
The optimal time for fetal echocardiography is between 18 to 24 weeks of gestation, when the heart structures are well-developed for detailed imaging.
Why Choose Mayflower Centre?
- Expertise of Dr. Kunda Shahane: A specialist in fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies.
- Advanced Technology: Equipped with state-of-the-art STIC imaging systems.
- Comprehensive Diagnosis: From screening to detailed reporting and follow-ups.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration with pediatric cardiologists and neonatologists.
- Supportive Environment: Providing emotional counseling and care throughout the journey.
What Happens After Diagnosis?
If abnormalities are detected, Dr. Shahane works with a dedicated team to:
- Plan deliveries in specialized centers with NICU facilities.
- Arrange postnatal surgeries if required.
- Provide guidance on long-term management and care.
Conclusion
Fetal echocardiography with STIC is a breakthrough technology offering precise and early detection of fetal heart conditions. At Mayflower Fetal Medicine & High-Risk Pregnancy Centre, Dr. Kunda Shahane ensures that every baby’s heart receives the attention it deserves, providing parents with clarity, reassurance, and hope.
For expert fetal heart evaluations, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kunda Shahane today.
Mayflower Centre – Nurturing Little Hearts with Care!
