embryoscopy

embryoscopy

Obstetrics An imaging technique in which an ultrasound-guided small-bore needle with an endoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall into the uterus–without violating the amniotic cavity, to view a living embryo. Cf Fetoscopy.
EMBRYOSCOPY

embryoscopy

(ĕm″brē-ŏs′kŏ-pē) Direct visualization of the fetus or embryo in the uterus by insertion of the light source and image-detecting portion of a fetoscope into the amniotic cavity through a small incision in the abdominal wall. This technique permits visualization and photography, surgical correction of certain types of congenital defects, and collection of amniotic fluid specimens for analysis of chemical and cellular materials. See: illustration