Fetal Surgery Milestone Achieved in Buenos Aires public Hospital
Table of Contents
- Fetal Surgery Milestone Achieved in Buenos Aires public Hospital
- Fetal Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Q&A
- what is Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)?
- What is Fetal laser Photocoagulation?
- How Does Fetal Laser Photocoagulation Work?
- Where Can This Procedure Be Performed?
- What Are the Benefits of Fetal Laser Photocoagulation?
- What Are the Risks Associated with Fetal Laser photocoagulation?
- Who Is a Candidate for Fetal Laser Photocoagulation?
- What Happens After Fetal Laser Photocoagulation?
- Comparing Fetal Laser Photocoagulation Centers
The ramón Sardá Maternal Child Hospital in Buenos Aires has achieved a notable advancement in fetal medicine. Doctors successfully performed a fetal laser photocoagulation through fetoscopy
on a woman carrying twins affected by twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is a serious complication in twin pregnancies where the fetuses share a single placenta. According to medical experts, the condition results in an unequal distribution of blood flow, threatening the survival of both fetuses.
fetus-fetal transfusion syndrome is a serious complication that occurs in twin pregnancies where fetuses share a single placenta. This condition causes an unequal distribution of blood flow between both fetuses, endangering its survival.
Fetal laser photocoagulation is a minimally invasive procedure performed using fetoscopy. A thin endoscope is inserted into the uterus to visualize the placental vascular network. A laser is then used to coagulate the blood vessels responsible for the abnormal connections causing the transfusion syndrome.
Fetal laser photocoagulation is a minimally invasive technique that is performed with fetoscopy. It consists of introducing a thin endoscope into the uterus to observe the vascular network of the placenta and, using laser, coagulate the blood vessels responsible for the abnormal connections that cause the disorder.
The procedure aims to restore adequate blood flow, significantly improving the survival chances and overall well-being of both fetuses.
The hospital’s advanced technology facilitated the surgery, highlighting the city’s dedication to providing high-quality, innovative healthcare with excellence in prenatal care.
According to Jorge Macri, head of the Buenos Aires government, The city’s health system is a source of pride for all Buenos Aires. thanks to the excellent work of the Sardá Maternity team, today we took a historical step. This advance reaffirms our commitment to quality public health and always at the forefront.
The city’s health system is a source of pride for all Buenos Aires. Thanks to the excellent work of the Sardá maternity team, today we took a historical step. This advance reaffirms our commitment to quality public health and always at the forefront.
Jorge Macri, head of the Buenos Aires government
City Health Minister Fernán Quirós expressed pride in the team’s work, stating, This innovative technique allowed to separate the shared placentas, improving the possibility of survival of both babies, which marks a milestone in maternal-feetal medicine and consolidates the development of the fetal surgery program in the city.
He added, This advance motivates us to continue strengthening the attention of high-risk pregnancies and guaranteeing the best care since the beginning of life. We reaffirm our commitment to quality public health and always at the forefront.
This innovative technique allowed to separate the shared placentas, improving the possibility of survival of both babies, which marks a milestone in maternal-feetal medicine and consolidates the development of the fetal surgery program in the city.
Fernán Quirós, City Health Minister
This advance motivates us to continue strengthening the attention of high-risk pregnancies and guaranteeing the best care since the beginning of life. We reaffirm our commitment to quality public health and always at the forefront.
Fernán Quirós, City Health Minister
the surgery, performed on March 11, involved a team from the hospital’s prenatal diagnosis section.
Fetal Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Q&A
The Ramón Sardá Maternal Child Hospital in Buenos Aires achieved a significant milestone in fetal medicine on March 11, 2025, by successfully performing fetal laser photocoagulation through fetoscopy on a woman carrying twins affected by Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).This innovative procedure offers hope for high-risk pregnancies.This article provides a comprehensive Q&A on TTTS and the fetal surgery used to treat it, based on the recent advancements.
what is Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)?
Twin-Twin Transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication that can occur in pregnancies with twins who share a single placenta. Also known as fetus-fetal transfusion syndrome, it arises from an unequal sharing of blood flow between the fetuses via abnormal blood vessel connections within the placenta. This imbalance can led to severe health problems or even endanger the survival of both fetuses.
- Cause: unequal blood flow due to shared placental vessels.
- Impact: can lead to the “donor” twin becoming smaller with less blood flow and the “recipient” twin receiving too much blood flow.
- Outcome: Can endanger the survival of both fetuses.
What is Fetal laser Photocoagulation?
Fetal laser photocoagulation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat TTTS, which involves:
- Procedure: A thin endoscope (fetoscope) is inserted into the uterus to visualize the placental blood vessels.
- Technique: A laser is then used to precisely coagulate (seal off) the abnormal blood vessel connections causing the blood transfusion imbalance.
- Goal: To restore more balanced blood flow to both twins, improving their chances of survival and overall well-being.
How Does Fetal Laser Photocoagulation Work?
The procedure aims to correct the blood flow imbalance. By using a laser to seal off the specific blood vessels causing the abnormal blood exchange will help:
- Minimize Damage: Prevents further complications caused by the unequal blood distribution to both fetuses.
- Increase Survival: Significantly improve the survival chances of both twins.
- Improve Outcomes: Enhance the overall well-being of both fetuses.
Where Can This Procedure Be Performed?
Fetal surgery for TTTS is performed in specialized medical centers that have the necessary expertise and advanced technology. According to the news, the Ramón Sardá Maternal Child hospital in Buenos Aires successfully performed this procedure. Other hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, are recognized for their expertise in this field.
What Are the Benefits of Fetal Laser Photocoagulation?
The primary goal of fetal laser photocoagulation is to improve outcomes for both twins affected by TTTS. Key benefits include:
- Increased Survival Rates: The procedure significantly improves the chances of both twins surviving the pregnancy.
- improved Overall Health By correcting the blood imbalance, the overall health and growth of both fetuses are enhanced.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, reducing risks compared to more invasive surgical options.
What Are the Risks Associated with Fetal Laser photocoagulation?
While fetal laser photocoagulation offers significant benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential risks. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Preterm labour and premature birth.
- Bleeding or infection.
- Risks to the mother.
Who Is a Candidate for Fetal Laser Photocoagulation?
The procedure is generally recommended for women carrying twins diagnosed with TTTS.It is up to medical professionals to determine whether a patient is a candidate for the procedure based on their individual medical circumstances.
What Happens After Fetal Laser Photocoagulation?
After the procedure, the mother will undergo regular monitoring to assess the health of the fetuses. Monitoring may include:
- Ultrasounds to monitor the growth and development of both twins.
- Check-ups with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
- Medications to prevent preterm labor and premature birth.
Comparing Fetal Laser Photocoagulation Centers
Choosing a medical center is a crucial decision. The following table compares some of the well-known centers that offer this specialized procedure:
| Hospital | Location | Procedure Expertise | Specific Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins Medicine | Baltimore, MD | Endoscopic Laser Ablation | Focus on complicated TTTS cases; director of the Johns Hopkins Center for fetal Therapy expertise. |
| Barnes-Jewish Hospital | St. Louis, MO | Selective Fetoscopic Laser photocoagulation (SLPC) | Offers comprehensive prenatal care and expertise in fetal surgery. |
| Children’s hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) | Philadelphia, PA | Fetoscopic Laser Surgery / SLPC | Specialized in minimally invasive fetal surgery. |
| Ramón Sardá maternal Child Hospital | Buenos Aires, argentina | Fetal Laser Photocoagulation Through Fetoscopy | Advanced technology and a commitment to high-quality prenatal care; Successful surgery on March 11, 2025. |
This surgery performed on March 11, 2025, is a huge milestone. This advance reaffirms the commitment to quality public health.
