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A groundbreaking new technique involving the use of high-intensity sound waves shows promise for treating identical twins affected by a rare but serious condition early in pregnancy, according to recent research. This condition, known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), involves uneven blood circulation between the twins, leaving one baby significantly underdeveloped while the other grows too large, both scenarios posing significant risks to their survival.
Brioney Garrett experienced this condition with her twin daughters during her pregnancy. Doctors at a hospital in London utilized this innovative approach to close off the problematic blood vessels causing the imbalance. Unlike traditional treatments requiring invasive surgery, this method did not involve any operation. Following the successful procedure, twins Nancy and Margo were born healthy and, now four years old, are about to begin school.
The clinical trial, which included 10 women, found that half required additional treatments. Out of the 20 babies involved in the study, 12 survived after undergoing the procedure—a finding published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Researchers from Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital described the non-invasive treatment as “extremely exciting,” as it avoids inserting needles or telescopes into the mother’s abdomen. Nevertheless, further extensive studies with more participants are necessary before this treatment can become widely available.
For Brioney, the procedure took just about 20 minutes. She lay flat while a specialized device directed focused ultrasound waves at tiny blood vessels in her placenta. “It was very quick and pretty painless,” she recounted. Women from the UK and across Europe who participated in the study had the condition detected early through scans. Professor Christoph Lees, a specialist in fetal medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, called the research “very promising,” adding, “If this could work in a fully-fledged study, it could give hope to a lot of women who otherwise might have to have quite invasive treatment.” Unlike typical ultrasound imaging, this treatment uses highly focused ultrasound beams that generate heat to seal blood vessels as small as 2mm in diameter, located 5–6cm beneath the skin. The procedure succeeded in blocking blood flow in 90% of targeted vessels without causing adverse side effects.
The Twins Trust charity, which supported the research, highlighted the potential impact of the new technique. Helen Peck, head of healthcare engagement and research at the charity, stated, “Any procedure that is non-invasive and can potentially identify TTTS earlier and improve outcomes for our families with this life-threatening condition could be a turning point.” Weeks after the treatment, scans confirmed that the blood flow between Brioney’s babies had been rebalanced despite other pregnancy complications. Brioney noted that Margo, who initially had insufficient fluid around her, “was in a much better position” and that “the strain on Nancy’s heart had eased.” The twins were delivered at nearly 34 weeks, with Nancy weighing 3 lbs 7 oz and Margo 3 lbs 3 oz. Reflecting on their health, Brioney said, “They were both healthy, and Margo wasn’t as small as we worried she was going to be.” Now ready to start primary school, the girls are described by their mother as “funny, smart, energetic little girls that just fit right in with their age group.”
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