Imaging
of pregnancy, Fetoscopic Laser Ablation is a common, minimally invasive treatment. This procedure focuses on the connections in the placenta causing TTTS and methodically treats them using a laser. Laser surgery, however, is not the only
option for this condition. Innovation within the ultrasound space is providing potential alternative treatments. In fact, in 2021, doctors at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital, Institute for Cancer Research and Imperial College London were the very first in the world to complete a successful non-invasive procedure using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy to safely treat a case.16
20. AXREM (2022). Manifesto for Medical Ultrasound - The modern-day stethoscope. Accessed at:
https://www.bmus.org/static/ uploads/resources/103216_Axrem_Ultrasound_ Manifesto_Final.pdf
21. Canon Medical Systems Europe (2023) Aplio i-series. Accessed at:
https://uk.medical. canon/products/ultrasound/aplio-i-series- prism-edition/.
22. Twin placental mapping study, 24 July 2019. Accessed at: https://www.wisemantrust.
co.uk/twin-placental-mapping-study/.
23. ‘Angioarchitecture’,
TheFreeDictionary.com. Accessed at: https://medical-dictionary.
thefreedictionary.com/angioarchitecture.
This phase 1 study is nearing its target of
recruiting 10 women with early onset TTTS. For the effective monitoring of twins, as well as the diagnosis of TTTS or any other complications, the right equipment and technologies must be used from the very start. That means using ultrasound equipment that can deliver crystal-clear images with enhanced resolution. This is not only important in the case of multiple pregnancies, but also for women’s health in general, from routine screening to clinical research, assisted reproduction to high-risk assessment, gynaecological imaging to interdisciplinary assessment, and ideally all via one dedicated system. If you can deliver the precise detail needed for clinical confidence when monitoring the earliest stages of multiple pregnancies, then just imagine what else could be possible. Clearer images can mean faster examination times and a more confident diagnosis for your patient, leading to reduced anxiety and better outcomes.
References 1. BBC News (2021) Twins peak with more born than ever before, 12 March. Accessed at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ health-56365422.
2. Trust, T. (2023) New statistics show neonatal death risk five times greater for twin or triplet pregnancies compared to carrying one baby. Accessed at:
https://twinstrust.org/resource/ new-statistics-show-neonatal-death-risk-five- times-greater-for-twin-or-triplet-pregnancies.
html.
3. NHS. (2022) Antenatal care with twins. Accessed at:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/ your-pregnancy-care/antenatal-care-with- twins/.
4. NHS. (2022) Antenatal care with twins. Accessed at:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/ your-pregnancy-care/antenatal-care-with- twins/.
5. NHS. (2022) Antenatal care with twins. Accessed at:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/ your-pregnancy-care/antenatal-care-with- twins/.
6. Complications in your pregnancy with twins, triplets and more: a guide for parents. (2021). Accessed 14 November 2023, at: https://
twinstrust.org/static/db3ab122-bcee-42c4- ab8b8e2f80053e90/e4fc85cb-1c0b-4963- 8c32a6a801c7c668/Twins-Trust-Complications- Guide.pdf
CSJ
7. NHS. (2022) Antenatal care with twins. Accessed at:
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/ your-pregnancy-care/antenatal-care-with- twins/.
8. NICE (2013) Quality statement 1: Determining chorionicity and amnionicity. Accessed at:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs46/ chapter/Quality-statement-1-Determining- chorionicity-and-amnionicity.
9. Canon Medical Systems Europe, Women’s Health Care Live Webinar - 15 June. Accessed at:
https://eu.medical.canon/events_calendar/ webinars/womens_health_care_live_webinar_ jun_2022.
Should a growth restriction or other abnormality be identified, then the use of colour Doppler imaging technology can enable the sonographer to take a closer look and interrogate the tiny vessels in the umbilical cord and placenta.
About the author
Jane Hanford is the Clinical Business Development Manager, for Women’s Health Ultrasound, at Canon Medical Systems UK. With over 12 years of experience at Canon Medical, she brings a blend of clinical expertise and in-depth industry knowledge to her role. She has held various positions during her career at Canon, from Applications Specialist through to Clinical Product Specialist, allowing her to gain a holistic understanding of healthcare technology from both the user and product perspectives. Originally trained as a radiographer and sonographer, her clinical background spans multiple specialities, including CT, MRI, mammography, and ultrasound.
January 2025 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 25
24. ‘Anastomoses .’
TheFreeDictionary.com. Accessed at: https://medical-dictionary.
thefreedictionary.com/anastomoses%20.
25. Trust, T. (no date) Complications. Accessed at:
https://twinstrust.org/information/ pregnancy-and-birth/
complications.html.
26. Trust carries out world-first non-invasive procedure to safely treat twin pregnancy complications (no date). Accessed at: https://
www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/news/ trust-carries-out-world-first-non-invasive- procedure-to-safely-treat-twin-pregnancy- complications.
Svetlana Fedoseeva -
stock.adobe.com
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