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Trends in Home Renovations

Home renovations continually reflect technological advances and shifts in societal values. Several key trends are shaping how homeowners are updating their spaces in various ways.

Sustainability Sustainability is a primary focus in home renovations. Eco-conscious homeowners increasingly opt for sustainable building materials. Technological advances that help in energy conservation within homes are also gaining popularity. These choices reduce environmental impact and often result in long-term cost savings.

Smart Technology Smart technology is transforming home renovations. Voice-activated assistants, automated lighting, and smart thermostats offer convenience and enhanced security. Renovations now frequently include plans for advanced home entertainment systems and security features accessible via smartphones, creating interactive living environments.

Open-Concept Design Removing walls to create larger, flowing spaces between kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas fosters a sense of connectivity and spaciousness. This trend, known as the open-concept design, aligns with modern lifestyles that favor multi-functional spaces for cooking, entertaining, and family activities.

Comfort Features in Outdoor Spaces Homeowners currently value their outdoor spaces, which has caused them to increasingly invest in patios, decks, and gardens equipped with comfortable seating, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. These spaces are designed for relaxation and socializing, reflecting a growing appreciation for the outdoors and the desire to create year-round usable areas.

Retro and Vintage Elements Retro and vintage design elements are undergoing renewed popularity. Bold colors, patterned tiles, and antique-style fixtures add character and charm to contemporary renovations. This trend celebrates the past while adapting it to modern functionality, creating unique and personalized home environments.

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An Overview of Fetal Surgery

Boston Children’s Hospital provides families with a wide range of medical services and support, including options for fetal surgery. Fetal surgery is a general term for any surgical procedure performed on a fetus, either because the fetus has developed a potentially fatal congenital abnormality or because surgery can improve the quality of life following birth. In either case, fetal surgeries are performed because the operation in question would be too complex or dangerous to perform on an infant after birth.

Fetal surgical procedures can be broken down into two basic categories: open fetal surgery and fetoscopic surgery. During an open fetal procedure, medical professionals perform a hysterotomy, or cesarean section, and partially remove the fetus so surgeons have direct access to the area of need. After the procedure, the fetus is repositioned and the uterus is closed.

In some cases, surgeons perform open fetal procedures at the same time as delivery -- the umbilical cord remains intact so that the baby does not need to breathe on its own until the procedure is complete. These procedures, known as ex utero intrapartum treatments (EXIT), are particularly effective when the child has a congenital defect impacting the airway. For example, cervical teratoma, a congenital tumor that develops in the neck and can prevent infants from breathing following birth, is commonly treated in utero. EXIT procedures are also beneficial when surgeons need to perform multiple procedures, as the infant can continue to gather sustenance from the mother’s placenta.

Other fetal surgery procedures fall under the category of fetoscopic surgery. Fetoscopic surgery is more common than open surgery. During a fetoscopic procedure, medical professionals utilize minimally invasive techniques and specialized fiber-optic telescopes and instruments to enter the uterus. No major incisions are made during fetoscopic procedures, and at no point is the fetus removed from the womb. The major advantage of fetoscopic surgery is a decreased risk of preterm labor.

Generally speaking, fetal surgery is only recommended if a family’s medical team believes the fetus will not survive the labor process or will not live long after birth. For example, if a prenatal ultrasound indicates a fetus is experiencing some form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), doctors may attempt to reposition the liver to promote proper development of the lungs. Additional corrective surgeries must be performed, but an effective CDH fetal surgery can give the infant the strength needed to endure the birth process.

Fetal tumors are another life-threatening condition that can be treated with fetal surgery. Sacrococcygeal tumors are benign but can grow so large that the fetus’ heart must work extra hard to pump blood through the growing body. This can result in heart failure without medical intervention. By cutting off blood supply to the tumor, surgeons can hinder tumor growth, paving the way for a safe birth and post-birth surgeries to remove the tumor or tumors altogether.

Families should discuss the various risks of fetal surgery with their medical team. In addition to preterm labor, risks associated with fetal surgery include bleeding, infection, and various complications linked to anesthesia, though these complications are rare.