Yes, velamentous cord insertion is also dangerous when the unprotected blood vessels are not crossing the cervix.

Though it is common to deliver with a VCI without detriment to the baby, VCI carries risk even when not a vasa previa. VCI may be allowed a trial of labor if the vessels are away from the cervix. However, close continuous monitoring is mandatory. The vessels could rupture, and also pressure on the vessels could lead to fetal compromise. This can be detected early by monitoring.

Published sources suggest that velamentous insertion occurs about 1-2 times per 100 pregnancies. Figures vary depending on whose study you read. Vasa previa is generally said to occur about 1:2-3000 pregnancies.

Velamentous cord is one step beyond a marginal insertion -- an exaggeration of the same process. The term "trophotropism" has been used to explain that a placenta seeks a best blood supply and can grow in the direct of favorable blood supply and can atrophy where the blood supply is less favorable. Lower uterine blood supply is less optimal than higher up. If the placenta implants low, it may "migrate" by differential proliferation and atrophy.

Yes. Velamentous insertion can be detected prior to birth using ultrasound, certainly with color Doppler ultrasound.

The theory about this that makes most sense is called Trophotropism. The easiest way to explain this is to make a comparison to a plant. A plant will lean towards the sun to get the light it needs to survive. Since the lower segment of the uterus is not as nourishing as the upper segment, the placenta will grow to reach more nourishing tissue. The placental mass will erode away from the cervix, but the vessels can't. This also explains the velamentous insertion of the cord.

Possibly. Unlike a placenta previa the vessels involved in a vasa previa are unlikely to erode away (which is how a placenta previa seemingly "moves"). There is a chance that this vessel will become thrombosed (plugged). This would take away the risk of fetal bleeding, but whether the baby would tolerate this depends on what proportion of the blood flows through this vessel.

Most likely the transverse lie is related to the low-lying placenta. When the placenta occupies the lower portion of the uterus, it prevents the head from engaging (going into the lower segment of the uterus, and the pelvis). Therefore, the baby may not be head first. The position of the vasa previa baby may also reflect an attempt by the baby to avoid compression of the velamentous vessels.

Vasa previa does have an association with a low-lying placenta, which may be associated with previous uterine surgery including prior cesarean, maternal smoking, multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc), and also with assisted conception (artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, etc).

Published data on vasa previa mortality shows a rate of 30-100%. Data suggests that survival is practically 100% if the diagnosis of vasa previa is made prenatally, and the patient is delivered by elective cesarean section. We have 2 prenatally diagnosed babies on record that died. However, they died of other complications of pregnancy such as prematurity and placenta previa. Vasa previa can be diagnosed prenatally. The time has come when physicians should look actively for it.

With a vasa previa not associated with abnormal placental implantation (some form of placental previa) there should be no increase in third trimester bleeding. Bleeding from a vasa previa only occurs if the vessel is torn or ruptures. No. There is nothing that we actively do to stop bleeding from a placenta previa. Bleeding from a placenta previa occurs because the attachment of the placenta to the uterus breaks (peels off).

The answer to this is unknown. There are no lifestyle changes that affect the incidence of vasa previa. However, vasa previa does have an association with a low-lying placenta, which may be associated with prior cesarean, maternal smoking, multiple pregnancy, and also with assisted conception.

Without special safety precautions, the laser can be dangerous. However, we ensure patient as well as health care worker safety by: 1. providing safety glasses for everyone in the room; 2. using the lowest effective settings possible; and 3. only allowing the doctor to perform the procedure as per the State Board of Medical Examiners. At the very low energy settings we use to treat spider veins, the danger is minimal. Treatment for vein problems have advanced dramatically over the past 5 years.

Waking up from a spinal cord injury was the single most terrifying experience I have ever had. I could not move, and a ventilator was pumping air into my lungs so I couldn't speak. I had many questions with no way to voice them, so understanding what was wrong with my body did not happen for some time. Eventually people told me that I had injured my spinal cord, but at 12-years-old that did not tell me much of anything.

The insertion site should be completely comfortable. If you feel the site, you should check it to see if it is red or irritated. The Medtronic Diabetes Sof-set is a special infusion set with a removable introducer needle, only a flexible micro-tube is left under the skin. The Sof-set allows for virtually painless, comfortable delivery even during vigorous activity and exercise.

Brachytherapy is a radiation therapy that can be used as a prostate cancer treatment. Sometimes referred to as interstitial radiation therapy, seed therapy, or seed treatment, prostate brachytherapy is capable of delivering high and concentrated doses of radiation to the prostate gland. Before the procedure patients usually start antibiotics to help prevent an infection and undergo mechanical bowel preparation.

It is the blood obtained from the umbilical cord at birth. The cord blood contains stem cells. Stem cells are the cells that make all of the other cells in your body, i.e., heart cells, neural cells, etc. These stem cells continue to reproduce throughout life unless they are destroyed by cancer or blood disease. If your stem cells are destroyed, you will die unless they are replaced by transplant.