PHX Reporter

TUCSON, Ariz. (Aug. 8, 2024) – Banner – University Medicine Fetal Care Center performed its first twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) surgery.

TTTS is a pregnancy complication affecting approximately 15% of identical twin pregnancies. The syndrome occurs when identical twin fetuses sharing a placenta receive unequal blood flow due to abnormal blood vessel connections in the placenta. This imbalance can result in one fetus, termed the "donor," receiving too little blood and the other, termed the "recipient," receiving too much.

The donor fetus may suffer from reduced urine output, decreased bladder urine, lower amniotic fluid levels, and potentially impaired growth due to a smaller placental share. Conversely, the recipient fetus may face an increased risk of heart failure due to excessive blood volume and produce excess amniotic fluid and urine.

In this case at Banner – University Medicine Fetal Care Center, the mother presented with significant TTTS complications. The recipient fetus was experiencing heart failure and fluid accumulation in abdominal and chest cavities. Using a fetoscope inserted through a small incision in the mother's abdomen, Banner’s fetal surgery team closed abnormal blood vessel connections between the twins and restored equal blood flow.

The mother was hospitalized overnight before being discharged the following day. Subsequent tests indicated balanced fluid levels between the twins and normal bladder function. The recipient's heart failure resolved, and both twins' hearts are functioning normally at 30 weeks gestation. Follow-up care will continue until delivery in mid-October.

Banner’s fetal care center combines expertise from Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center.

The center is led by Dr. Kenneth Liechty, director of fetal medicine at Banner – University Medicine and surgeon-in-chief at Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Liechty has been providing fetal care for over 15 years across the country and spearheaded the development of this program.

To learn more about Banner – University Medicine Fetal Care Center: https://surgery.arizona.edu/divisions-and-sections/pediatric-surgery/fetal-surgery

About Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center

Banner Children’s provides pediatric care from newborns to teens with services including emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders among others. It is connected to an academic research facility — the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center — advancing children's health through groundbreaking science.

About Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and South

These centers are part of Banner – University Medicine associated with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson including Diamond Children's Medical Center among other specialty clinics under Arizona-based nonprofit health system Banner Health operating in six states.

For more information:

bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens

bannerhealth.com/universitytucson

bannerhealth.com/universitysouth