SAVANNAH Ga. — On July 1, Memorial Health Hospital carried out a rare Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure, a complex surgery that only a handful of hospitals nationwide are prepared to perform.

Raegan Barnard and her baby Charlotte faced significant challenges in the lead-up to the surgery. Charlotte developed a growth under her tongue while in the womb, obstructing her airways and complicating her delivery.

Dr. Brad Buckler, the medical director at Memorial Health’s level 3 NICU, highlighted the specific challenges they encountered. “Once you cut the umbilical cord, the baby must breathe independently, supplying oxygen for itself. We were uncertain if Charlotte could handle that.”

A team of 31 medical professionals collaborated to perform a C-section, partially delivering Charlotte. In just 22 seconds, they successfully connected a breathing tube to her, ensuring she received oxygen as she was delivered from her mother.

Barnard expressed to News 3 the indescribable nature of her emotions. “It’s difficult to put into words. The entire pregnancy was incredibly stressful, but we were fortunate to have so much support and a dedicated team here; it’s genuinely amazing.”

This surgery has been conducted only three times at Memorial Health, with the previous instance over ten years ago. The team held numerous meetings and rehearsed step-by-step with a dummy to guarantee precision during the actual procedure.

Barnard said the nurses who took care of her and Charlotte during that stressful time have become family. “Everybody’s been great so I’m truly so thankful for everything.”

Dr. Bucker said they recorded the procedure to help educate other medical professionals and patients in the future. He also said Charolotte has had no complications and is a healthy baby.