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Am J Perinatol 2014; 31(S 01): S13-S18
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382774
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Sequential Laser Surgery for Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Ramen H. Chmait
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
,
Eftichia V. Kontopoulos
2   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Fetal Surgery, Jackson Fetal Therapy Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida
,
Rubén A. Quintero
2   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Fetal Surgery, Jackson Fetal Therapy Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

26 February 2014

15 May 2014

Publication Date:
17 June 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Treatment of twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) via the sequential selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SQLPCV) technique involves lasering the arteriovenous communications from the donor twin to the recipient twin first, followed by the arteriovenous communications from the recipient twin to the donor. Occluding the vascular communications in this particular order may result in transient intraoperative net transfusion to the donor twin and facilitate hemodynamic equilibrium, particularly to the volume depleted donor twin. Preliminary evidence suggests that the SQLPCV technique may result in improved perinatal outcomes compared with the standard selective (SLPCV) laser surgical approach. In this article, we describe the pathophysiological basis for this surgical approach, delineate the surgical technique, review the literature, and elaborate on the outstanding questions of the SQLPCV treatment of TTTS.

Keywords

laser surgery - laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels - TTTS - twin–twin transfusion syndrome - operative fetoscopy
 

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