Embryoscopy with direct Chorionic Villus Sampling

Embryoscopy with direct CVS (chorionic villus sampling) may be offered to a patient who has conceived, but has cessation of fetal heart activity. To help determine wheter there is a genetic reason for the miscarriage, direct viewing of the embryo and placental cell sampling for genetic diagnosis is often helpful. If a simple D&C is done with genetic studies, often the maternal cells grow giving the result of "normal female-46XX". This happens because the embryonic cells are slower growing and more difficult to assess. If the embryo is structurally abnormal, which is common after cessation of fetal heart activity, a genetic cause is suspected and PGD with IVF is usually recommended for the next pregnancy.