A groundbreaking medical procedure using high powered ultrasound waves has helped save the lives of identical twins affected by a rare pregnancy complication.
Doctors used the new treatment to manage twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a serious condition that affects identical twins who share the same placenta. The condition causes an uneven blood supply between the babies, putting both lives at risk.
The successful trial was carried out by researchers at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. The team found that the non invasive technique could become a safer option for treating TTTS in early pregnancy.
New Treatment Helps Protect Twin Babies
TTTS happens when blood vessels in the shared placenta send too much blood to one twin and too little to the other.
The baby receiving extra blood can develop excess fluid and heart problems, while the smaller twin may suffer from a lack of nutrients and reduced growth.
Doctors usually treat the condition by using a needle inside the womb to drain extra fluid or by using laser surgery to close the abnormal blood vessels.
The new technique works differently. Doctors use focused ultrasound waves from outside the mother’s body to block the tiny blood vessels responsible for the imbalance.
Twin Girls Born Healthy After Treatment
Brioney Garrett faced a difficult pregnancy when doctors discovered that her identical twins were affected by TTTS.
Doctors treated her using the new ultrasound procedure, which took around 20 minutes. Brioney described the treatment as quick and almost painless.
Her daughters, Nancy and Margo, were born healthy at nearly 34 weeks of pregnancy. Each baby weighed just over 3 pounds at birth.
Now four years old, the twins are preparing to start school. Brioney called them her “miracle twins” and said she remains grateful that they survived.
Early Trial Shows Promising Results
The clinical trial included 10 pregnant women with TTTS. Researchers reported that 12 out of 20 babies survived after the treatment.
However, half of the women involved needed additional medical care after the procedure.
Doctors say the results are encouraging, but larger studies with more patients are needed before hospitals can offer this treatment widely.
A New Future for TTTS Treatment
Around 10 to 15% of identical twin pregnancies that share a placenta develop TTTS. In the UK, the condition affects around 300 to 400 pregnancies every year.
Researchers believe this ultrasound based approach could change how doctors treat the condition by reducing the need for invasive procedures.
The team hopes further research will confirm the treatment’s safety and effectiveness, giving more families a new option during high risk twin pregnancies.
