Advertisement
Correspondence| Volume 265, P220-221, October 2021

Download started.

Ok

Carbon dioxide fetoscopic technique to enhance visualization in cases of placental laser ablation for twin twin transfusion syndrome

      Dear Editor, we present a case of twin twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation enhancing visualization to complete fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA). 19-year-old P0 presented at 24 weeks with symptomatic stage 1 TTTS, with regular uterine contractions. Imaging revealed anterior placenta, maximum amniotic fluid (AF) vertical pockets of 12 and 1 cm in the recipient and donor sacs. Doppler studies of the umbilical artery, ductus venosus and middle cerebral arteries were normal. Twin B, recipient, was noted to have an epignathus teratoma that was primarily external, measuring 6.4 × 5.6 × 5.6 cm, with a small intraoral portion, 3.5 × 4.3 × 2.4 cm. The tracheal position, esophageal diameter and stomach bubble appeared to be normal in size on fetal magnetic resonance imaging, suggestive of a lack of airway or esophageal obstruction. The patient was informed of the alternative options of selective reduction of the anomalous fetus vs termination of pregnancy, which she declined. We were concerned the AF would be cloudy and dark due to presence of the teratoma with a larger external component. Approval was obtained by the Fetal Therapy board and patient was informed of the experimental nature of the procedure. Uterine entry was by seldinger technique using a 12 Fr cannula, AF was dark brown, limiting visualization (Fig. 1A). 200 mL of AF was drained, then 200 mL of heated, humidified CO2 was insufflated into the uterus, using a 60 mL syringe, minimizing concerns regarding increased intrauterine pressure. CO2 gas rose to the anterior surface when in supine position, providing access to the anterior placenta. The inter twin membrane and anastomosing vessels were identified (Fig. 1B) and FLA was performed successfully. CO2 was then evacuated using 60 mL syringe under ultrasound guidance. Following surgery, the Dopplers remained stable and the fluid normalized in both sacs by the end of the first week. Fetal MRI was performed at 28 weeks which revealed a significant increase in size, extra-oral measuring 8.7 × 8.6 × 10.2 cm, volume of 400 mL and intraoral measuring 3.5 × 4.8 × 4.1 cm with concerns for airway compromise. Twin B was noted to be growth restricted. Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure was planned and performed successfully at 29 weeks due to repetitive spontaneous decelerations with minimal variability. Birth weight of twin A was 1460 g and her postnatal course was uneventful. Twin B weighed 700 g, the teratoma was debulked using a GIATM stapler (Medtronic, Minnesota, USA) and the airway was secured by tracheostomy. However, she remained critical and died on day of life 19. Placental pathology did not demonstrate any residual anastomoses.
      Figure thumbnail gr1a
      Fig. 1AFetoscopic image depicting cloudy fluid and limited visualization.
      Figure thumbnail gr1b
      Fig. 1BFetoscopic image demonstrating the vascular anastomoses after CO2 insufflation.
      To read this article in full you will need to make a payment

      Purchase one-time access:

      Academic & Personal: 24 hour online accessCorporate R&D Professionals: 24 hour online access
      One-time access price info
      • For academic or personal research use, select 'Academic and Personal'
      • For corporate R&D use, select 'Corporate R&D Professionals'

      References

        • Lewi L.
        • Gucciardo L.
        • Van Mieghem T.
        • de Koninck P.
        • Beck V.
        • Medek H.
        • et al.
        Monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: natural history and risk stratification.
        Fetal Diagn Ther. 2010; 27: 121-133
        • Kohl T.
        • Tchatcheva K.
        • Berg C.
        • Geipel A.
        • Van de Vondel P.
        • Gembruch U.
        Partial amniotic carbon dioxide insufflation (PACI) facilitates fetoscopic interventions in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies.
        Surg Endosc. 2007; 21: 1428-1433
        • Nassr A.A.
        • King A.
        • Espinoza J.
        • Sanz Cortes M.
        • Shamshirsaz A.A.
        • Belfort M.A.
        Successful release of pseudoamniotic bands after laser photocoagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: utility of partial carbon dioxide insufflation of uterus.
        Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020; 55: 134-135
        • Amberg B.J.
        • Hodges R.J.
        • Kashyap A.J.
        • Skinner S.M.
        • Rodgers K.A.
        • McGillick E.V.
        • et al.
        Physiological effects of partial amniotic carbon dioxide insufflation with cold, dry vs heated, humidified gas in a sheep model.
        Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2019; 53: 340-347
        • Sanz Cortes M.
        • Castro E.
        • Sharhan D.
        • Torres P.
        • Yepez M.
        • Espinoza J.
        • et al.
        Amniotic membrane and placental histopathological findings after open and fetoscopic prenatal neural tube defect repair.
        Prenat Diagn. 2019; 39: 269-279