A new procedure using high-powered sound waves could treat a rare and serious pregnancy condition in identical twins. This condition, called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), causes uneven blood flow between babies. One baby becomes dangerously small, and the other too large, putting both at risk.
Doctors at a London hospital used this treatment to seal problematic blood vessels without needing surgery. This world-first procedure saved the lives of Nancy and Margo, identical twin girls. They are now four years old and healthy.
A Non-Invasive Solution
Brioney Garrett's twin girls were in danger during her pregnancy. The new treatment used high-powered ultrasound waves to seal blood vessels. This meant doctors did not need to insert a needle or telescope into the mother's tummy.
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Start Your News DetoxHalf of the ten women in the trial needed more treatment. Twelve of 20 twin babies survived after the procedure. Researchers from Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital called this non-invasive method "extremely exciting."
More studies are needed before this procedure can be widely offered.
Brioney calls her daughters "my miracle twins." She remembers how serious the situation was and feels grateful every day.
TTTS affects 10-15% of identical twins who share a placenta. This is about 300-400 pregnancies each year in the UK. The uneven blood flow causes too much fluid around one baby and too little around the other. Both babies can be harmed.
Usually, treatment involves putting a needle into the womb. Doctors then drain fluid or seal blood vessels with a laser.
How the New Procedure Works
For Brioney, the new procedure was quick and mostly painless, taking about 20 minutes. She lay flat while a special machine aimed high-powered ultrasound waves at tiny blood vessels in her placenta.
Professor Christoph Lees, head of fetal medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, called the research "very promising." He believes it could offer hope to many women who would otherwise need invasive treatment.
Ultrasound is known to be safe for medical scans. This new type of ultrasound is much more focused. The heat from its beams can seal blood vessels as small as two millimeters in diameter, several centimeters below the skin.
The study showed the procedure blocked blood flow in 90% of treated blood vessels. There were no unwanted side effects.
The charity Twins Trust supported the study. Helen Peck, head of healthcare engagement and research, said this new non-invasive approach could be a turning point for families facing this life-threatening condition.
Weeks after Brioney's procedure, scans confirmed it had worked. The blood flow to her babies was rebalanced. Margo, who had too little fluid, was in a much better position. The strain on Nancy's heart had also eased.
The twins were born at nearly 34 weeks. Nancy weighed 3 pounds, 7 ounces, and Margo 3 pounds, 3 ounces. Both were healthy.
Nancy and Margo are now four years old and will start primary school in September. Brioney describes them as "funny, smart, energetic little girls."
Deep Dive & References
Pioneering non-invasive focused ultrasound for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a first-in-human experience - American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2024
