The Fetal Center

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

Identical twins who share one placenta may be at risk for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). The single placenta contains blood vessels going from one baby to the other. In TTTS, blood from the smaller donor twin is transferred to the larger recipient twin, causing an uneven exchange of blood.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), is a rare congenital condition where the muscles in the diaphragm do not grow together, leaving a hole. The hole allows the intestines and other organs (stomach, liver) to move up into the baby’s chest. When this happens, it makes it hard for the lungs to grow.

Congenital Lung Lesions

Congenital lung lesions are a group of conditions where part of the lung has an abnormal growth or mass. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration and congenital lobar emphysema are the most common types of congenital lung lesions.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome with Restrictive or Intact Atrial Septum (HLHS with RAS/IAS)

HLHS is a congenital (present at birth) complex heart defect. Sometime around the first 8 weeks of fetal (unborn child) development, the heart did not develop properly. The term HLHS means that most of the structures on the left side of the heart are small and underdeveloped.

Cervical Teratomas (Giant Neck Mass)

A giant neck mass is an abnormal growth of the neck. There are two different types of masses including cervical teratomas and lymphatic malformations. The cause of it is unknown, but it can be treated.

Sacrococcygeal Teratomas

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a tumor that forms on a fetus’ tailbone, also called the coccyx. The tumors are usually not cancerous (benign) but can be life-threatening if not treated. SCT is rare, occurring in about 1 in 35,000-40,000 births. They are more common in males than females.

Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida)

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect, which is a problem with the spinal cord or the structures that cover it. The neural tube normally closes during the early weeks of embryo development, and can occur at any point along the spine (“backbone”). Spina bifida occurs because of the neural tube not closing completely during an unborn baby’s development, causing a hole in some of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). This may result in spinal cord and nerve damage, which may cause mild to severe disabilities.

Adolfo Etchegaray

Adolfo Etchegaray, MD, is the Chief of Fetal Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He brings over a decade of experience in maternal-fetal medicine and fetal surgery and years of program development to our Fetal Center. Before joining Nationwide Children’s, Dr. Etchegaray was recruited by the Austral University Hospital in Pilar, Argentina to develop one of the first fetal medicine units in the country. Dr. Etchegaray’s main areas of interest and research are congenital anomalies, fetal therapy, and prenatal screening for chromosomal diseases and preeclampsia.

Oluyinka O. Olutoye

In addition to being the Chief of Surgery at Nationwide Children's, Dr. Olutoye is a pioneer in the surgical and medical treatments that improve outcomes for both mother and baby. As a pediatric and fetal surgeon, Dr. Olutoye brings specialized clinical expertise in fetal and neonatal surgery. Fetal surgeons work closely with obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to provide exceptional care for babies who need surgery in-utero and to improve outcomes for a range of conditions such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, spina bifida and other congenital anomalies.

Ruth B. Seabrook

As a neonatologist, or newborn intensive care physician, Dr. Seabrook is trained to care for the most complex newborns, including those with fetal anomalies requiring surgery before or after birth, those complex medical conditions, as well as those born preterm. She works alongside both the OB-Gyn and maternal fetal medicine provider to counsel families and plan for the baby’s delivery. Neonatologists lead the team providing both immediate care for the newborn after birth, and ongoing care for babies in in the NICU.

Karen M. Texter

Karen M. Texter, MD, is Director of Fetal Echocardiography at The Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Her special interests include echocardiography in congenital and acquired heart disease, and fetal cardiology.

Mickey Johnson

As the Director of Fetal Services, Mickey Johnson, MHA, RN, works closely with all members of the Fetal Center team to support the program's clinical needs. This includes planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies, evidence-based clinical programs, policies, and standards of care. Mickey has over 18 years of progressive health care leadership and over 30 years perinatal nursing experience.

Lisa Miller

As the Clinical Lead and Education Specialist for the Fetal Center, Lisa leads the nursing team supporting fetal unit clinical operations. This includes working closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver educational and simulation experiences to support seamless care delivery. She is passionate about nursing leadership, staff recognition, patient experience, program development, and evidence-based practice. Lisa received her bachelors degree from Otterbein University and her master’s degree from Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Christy Stocker

As the Service Line Administrator for The Fetal Center, Christy works closely with all members of The Fetal Center to complete many of the program’s business needs. This includes coordination of the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all activities and programs associated with The Fetal Center. In addition to working with this team, Christy is also the Service Line Administrator for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.  She has over 20 years of progressive leadership experience.  Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from the University of Dayton.

• Advanced Illness Management
• Cardiology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Clinical Genetics
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Neonatology
• Nephrology

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Pediatric Surgery
• Perinatal Palliative Care
• Pulmonary
• Urology