Core Insights - The collaboration between Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and ETH Zurich has led to the development of the world's first flexible probe capable of continuously monitoring fetal vital signs during surgery, enhancing safety for high-risk prenatal procedures [1][2] Group 1: Technology Development - The flexible probe is made from highly flexible biocompatible materials, with a diameter three times that of a human hair, allowing it to pass through standard fetal endoscopes without additional incisions [1] - It features a micro-sensor array that tracks multiple critical indicators such as fetal heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, and temperature, transmitting data wirelessly to external monitoring devices for real-time feedback [1] Group 2: Clinical Application - The device is designed for use in complex fetal surgeries, which may be necessary for conditions like spina bifida, severe diaphragmatic hernia, urinary obstruction, fetal tumors, or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, with procedures starting as early as 15 weeks of gestation [1] - The team aims for this device to become a standard configuration in complex fetal surgeries, advancing perinatal medicine towards a new stage of intelligence and precision following further clinical validation [2]