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01-12-2015 | News and Views

Visualisation of the vascular equator in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome by virtual fetoscopy

Authors: Heron Werner, Jorge Lopes Dos Santos, Renato Augusto Sá, Pedro Daltro, Emerson Gasparetto, Edson Marchiori, Stuart Campbell, Edward Araujo Júnior

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Background

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication of monochorionic twin gestation, which has a high risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of the vascular anastomoses is the preferred treatment. Nowadays, Solomon technique which consists the vascular coagulation of all anastomoses in the placental equator is the preferable method.

Objective

To develop a method of virtual fetoscopy by means of ultrasound and resonance magnetic imaging (MRI) scan data to allow the identification of placental equator.

Results

MRI was performed in a twin monochorionic twin pregnancy with 28 weeks previously treated for TTTS with fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. A three-dimensional (3D) file of the placenta was created from overlapping image layers generated by MRI using Mimics software. Virtual fetoscopy allowed adequate visualization of fetuses, umbilical cord insertion and placental equator.

Conclusion

Virtual fetoscopy is a non-invasive technique which allowed adequate identification of placental equator, and it may be an important learning method to novice fetal endoscopic surgeons in TTTS cases.

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Werner H, Lopes dos Santos JR, Fontes R, Belmonte S, Daltro P, Gasparetto E et al (2013) Virtual bronchoscopy for evaluating cervical tumors of the fetus. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 41:90–94CrossRefPubMed

Title: Visualisation of the vascular equator in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome by virtual fetoscopy
Authors: Heron Werner
Jorge Lopes Dos Santos
Renato Augusto Sá
Pedro Daltro
Emerson Gasparetto
Edson Marchiori
Stuart Campbell
Edward Araujo Júnior
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3891-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Visualisation of the vascular equator in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome by virtual fetoscopy

Abstract

Background

Objective

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Results

Conclusion

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