Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Safety when giving birth has been an essential part of healthcare. A pioneering experimental method that utilizes high-energy sound waves to treat twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare but potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication, has been found to be safe in an early clinical trial involving patients from the UK and Europe.
The first research study of its kind was led by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, with contributions from the Institute of Cancer Research, Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research, the University of Cambridge, and University Hospitals Leuven. The team examined a non-invasive approach that could provide an alternative to current TTTS treatments.
TTTS occurs in around 10 to 15 per cent of identical twin pregnancies where both babies share the same placenta.
Researchers in the trial investigated a novel, non-surgical approach based on high-intensity focused ultrasound. The technique delivers precisely aimed sound waves from outside the body to disrupt the abnormal blood vessels responsible for the condition. By avoiding invasive procedures, the approach could offer a safer treatment option for both mothers and their unborn babies.
The study included ten pregnant women diagnosed with early-stage twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Doctors used ultrasound scans to locate the blood vessels linking the twins’ blood supplies before applying high-intensity focused ultrasound to target and seal these connections. The research team assessed the procedure’s safety and examined how successfully it could close the intended blood vessels.
Professor Christoph Lees, head of foetal medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and professor of obstetrics at Imperial College London, described the findings as highly encouraging. He said the research provides the first evidence that this non-invasive technique can be safely used for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. He added that the results are particularly promising because current treatment relies on a more invasive procedure that carries its own potential risks.
He further indicated that they hope to track this research with a wider clinical trial with 50 to100 women, so they can find out if it can have success in treating TTTS and know whether this procedure may have lower risk and is an equally or more effective option for women together with their twin babies.
The new research showed that the procedure effectively stopped blood flow through 90% of the targeted placental blood vessels. None of the participating mothers or their unborn twins experienced harmful side effects, and 18 of the 20 pregnancies remained healthy two weeks after undergoing the treatment.
Brioney a study participant indicated that it was an incredibly difficult period for us after being diagnosed with such an advanced stage of TTTS and their choices were extremely limited, as laser treatment was not an option, and they were facing the very real possibility of losing one of their babies.
Brioney further expressed appreciation that the consultant was aware of the clinical trial and was able to connect them with the team at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital. The opportunity gave them a much-needed sense of hope, and because the risks appeared minimal, they were eager to take part.”
“The procedure itself took about 15 minutes, with a few follow-up scans over the next few weeks. It was such a relief to find out that the treatment had worked a couple of weeks later and that both twins were OK. There were a couple of wider complications in the pregnancy related to the syndrome itself. But otherwise the pregnancy progressed well. My daughters Margo and Nancy are thriving now and are about to start primary school.”
