Uncommon Pediatric Delivery Procedure Successfully Carried Out After Long Time at Hospital
Newborn Charlotte's Successful EXIT Procedure at Memorial Health University Medical Center
In a remarkable medical milestone, doctors at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, performed an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure earlier this year. The procedure, which was carried out on baby Charlotte, marked the first time the technique had been used at the hospital in decades.
Baby Charlotte's mother, Reagan Barnard, described her as independent and calm. The newborn has remained at the hospital since the procedure, and doctors reported that she is doing great. According to her mother, Charlotte has been content and enjoys her bassinet.
The EXIT procedure is a specialized surgical technique performed during delivery to secure a baby's airway while the infant is still attached to the placenta and thus receiving oxygen through the umbilical cord. This allows clinicians to manage airway obstruction or other life-threatening conditions before fully separating the baby from maternal circulation.
The process involves partially delivering the baby via cesarean section but keeping the baby connected to the placenta to maintain oxygenation. While the baby remains partially in utero, surgeons carefully secure the airway—often by intubation, tracheostomy, or other necessary interventions—to ensure the baby can breathe independently after birth. Only once the airway is secured do they complete delivery and clamp the umbilical cord.
This approach is planned ahead in cases where prenatal imaging indicates severe airway obstruction or other critical airway needs at birth. It provides a controlled environment to establish airway patency before the baby must breathe on their own.
In the case of baby Charlotte, the delivery involved delivering only the top half of the newborn while keeping the bottom half inside the uterus. This allowed Charlotte to continue receiving blood and oxygen from the placenta and umbilical cord during the procedure.
The success of the EXIT procedure for baby Charlotte was the result of careful planning and preparation. According to Dr. Bradley Buckler, communication was a major key, and preparation was a huge emphasis during the procedure. He stated that everyone involved in the procedure had an important role.
The medical team, which included members who had not previously been part of an EXIT procedure, met multiple times to ensure everyone was in the right place and had the necessary equipment. Test runs were crucial for the success of the procedure, involving all team members.
Dr. Bradley Buckler mentioned that they were overly prepared for the procedure, and he was not nervous on the day of the delivery. The meeting with the medical team was arranged this week, and the family took the opportunity to thank the nurses and doctors who were present during the delivery of baby Charlotte.
The delivery of baby Charlotte was no ordinary event. With a total team of 31 doctors and nurses present in the room, it set a new record for Memorial Health University Medical Center. The medical team, led by Dr. Bradley Buckler, demonstrated the highest level of care and expertise, ensuring a successful outcome for baby Charlotte and her family.
During and after the procedure, doctors emphasized the importance of baby Charlotte's ongoing health and wellness, closely monitoring her medical-conditions to ensure a smooth recovery. As she grows, Charlotte's health-and-wellness will continue to be managed by the dedicated medical team at Memorial Health University Medical Center. The success of the procedure serves as a testament to the innovative application of science in practicing medicine, contributing to groundbreaking medical advancements in the field.
