A groundbreaking non-invasive treatment using high-powered sound waves has successfully saved identical twins diagnosed with a rare and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication, offering new hope for expectant parents.
Researchers say the innovative procedure could transform the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a condition that affects some identical twins sharing a placenta by correcting abnormal blood flow without the need for surgery.
The findings, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, mark the first successful use of the technique and could pave the way for less invasive treatment options in the future.
What Is Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome?
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs when identical twins sharing a placenta develop an uneven blood supply.
The imbalance causes one baby to receive too much blood and grow larger than normal, while the other receives too little, leaving it dangerously underdeveloped. The condition threatens the survival of both babies and affects between 10% and 15% of identical twin pregnancies sharing a placenta—around 300 to 400 pregnancies each year in the UK.
Traditionally, treatment involves inserting medical instruments into the womb to either drain excess fluid or seal abnormal blood vessels using laser surgery.
World-First Procedure Saves Nancy and Margo
Brioney Garrett’s identical twin daughters, Nancy and Margo, were among the first babies in the world to benefit from the pioneering treatment after doctors at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London detected TTTS during her pregnancy.
Instead of performing surgery, specialists used a specially designed machine to deliver highly focused ultrasound waves that sealed the abnormal blood vessels in the placenta without making any incisions.
Brioney described the experience as simple and comfortable.
“It was very quick and pretty painless,” she said.
The treatment lasted about 20 minutes while she lay flat as the machine directed high-powered sound waves at tiny blood vessels causing the condition.
Now four years old, Nancy and Margo are healthy and preparing to begin primary school.
Brioney described them as “my miracle twins.”
“We were in a very dire situation and I don’t forget that,” she said. “It stays with me always how things could have been. Every day I still count my blessings.”
Trial Results Show Promising Outcomes
The clinical trial involved 10 pregnant women from the UK and across Europe.
According to the researchers:
- Half of the participants required additional treatment after the procedure.
- 12 of the 20 babies involved in the trial survived.
- The treatment successfully blocked blood flow in 90% of the targeted blood vessels.
- No unwanted side effects were recorded.
The research team said it was “extremely exciting” to have developed a non-invasive method of treating TTTS without inserting needles or surgical instruments into the mother’s womb.
However, they stressed that larger clinical studies are still needed before the treatment can become widely available.
Experts Welcome the Breakthrough
Professor Christoph Lees, Head of Fetal Medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Professor of Obstetrics at Imperial College London, described the findings as highly encouraging.
“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,” he said.
Unlike conventional ultrasound used for pregnancy scans, the new technology uses highly focused ultrasound capable of generating enough heat to seal blood vessels measuring just 2 millimetres in diameter several centimetres beneath the skin.
Charity Says Treatment Could Be a Turning Point
The charity Twins Trust, which supported the research, believes the new approach has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for families affected by TTTS.
Helen Peck, the charity’s Head of Healthcare Engagement and Research, said:
“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.”
Healthy Future for the Twins
Follow-up scans confirmed that the treatment had restored balanced blood flow between the twins.
Brioney said Margo, who had previously suffered from dangerously low fluid levels, was “in a much better position,”while “the strain on Nancy’s heart had eased.”
The twins were delivered at nearly 34 weeks, with Nancy weighing 3 pounds 7 ounces and Margo 3 pounds 3 ounces.
“They were both healthy, and Margo wasn’t as small as we worried she was going to be,” Brioney said.
Today, the sisters are thriving.
“They’re funny, smart, energetic little girls that just fit right in with their age group,” Brioney said.
Conclusion
The successful use of focused ultrasound to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome represents a major milestone in fetal medicine. While more extensive trials are needed before the technique becomes standard practice, the early results suggest it could provide a safer, non-invasive alternative to surgery for families facing one of the most serious complications in identical twin pregnancies.
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