A highly specialized team at Memorial Health University Medical Center successfully performed a rare, life-saving procedure to deliver a baby born with a blocked airway.
Raegan Barnard’s pregnancy took a critical turn when doctors discovered her baby, Charlotte, had a mass under her tongue that would obstruct her breathing at birth. To ensure a safe delivery, physicians planned an Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure — a complex surgical approach used in high-risk cases.
During the procedure, Charlotte was partially delivered via cesarean section while still connected to the placenta, allowing doctors to maintain oxygen flow. Within just 22 seconds, the team secured her airway by placing a breathing tube before completing the delivery.
The effort required precise coordination among 31 medical professionals, led by Dr. Brad Buckler, medical director of the Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, and Dr. Keisha Reddick, maternal-fetal medicine specialist. The team rehearsed extensively to prepare for the rare intervention, which is only available regionally at Memorial Health.
“Seeing the relief on her family’s face was incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Buckler.
Today, both Raegan and Charlotte are doing well, marking a successful outcome for a procedure that underscores advanced maternal and neonatal care capabilities.
Charlotte’s story highlights Memorial Health’s commitment to delivering specialized, life-saving care for even the most complex cases, giving newborns the strongest possible start.