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Am J Perinatol 2014; 31(S 01): S7-S12
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1376184
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome—30 Years at the Front

Julian E. De Lia
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
,
Randall S. Kuhlmann
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 March 2014

02 April 2014

Publication Date:
10 June 2014 (online)

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Abstract

Thirty years ago, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was one of the most challenging problems of modern obstetrics. The associated mortality and morbidity was staggering, and a sense of hopelessness prevailed among clinicians and pediatric pathologists. Technical advances in ultrasound, endoscopy, video recording, and medical lasers formed the basis for diagnosis and in utero therapy of placental disorders. We review some historical events which gave rise to a new treatment modality for TTTS, fetoscopic laser occlusion of chorioangiopagous vessels, now the most common operation performed worldwide in behalf of fetuses in peril.

Keywords

monochorionic twins - twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - FLOC
 

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