Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) occurs when identical twins share —a placenta and one of the babies receives too much blood and the other too little. This serious condition is rare. TTTS only occurs in 10 to 15 percent of pregnancies involving identical twins who share a placenta.

Our Center for Fetal Care team is the first in Illinois to have the experience and advanced technology necessary to offer fetoscopic laser ablation therapy for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. This groundbreaking treatment for TTTS boosts survival rates for babies diagnosed by ultrasound with this complex condition.

How does TTTS surgery work?

During fetoscopic laser ablation therapy for TTTS, our experts use an ultrasound to guide them as they insert a small scope through a mother’s abdomen into her uterus. Then, using a laser that is fed through the scope, they carefully coagulate any blood vessels on the placenta that are shared by her twins. This stops the unequal sharing of blood and gives both babies separate blood supplies, which allows for more normal development.

What are the survival rates?

Without successful intervention, the risk of death for one baby with TTTS can be as high as 80% to 100% and the surviving twin faces a significant risk of brain injury.

Laser surgery increases the survival rate of at least one baby to more than 80%. If one twin doesn't survive, the other baby's risk of developing complications is significantly reduced.

Survival rates after TTTS surgery

At least one survivor — 90%

Both survivors — 80%

No survivor — 10%

Overall survival — 85%

Read one mother’s story of her twins’ survival

These twins survived Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Heaven and Neveah were born at just 31 weeks.

Schedule an appointment

Call 847-723-BABY to schedule an appointment with an experienced maternal-fetal medicine specialist at one of our locations in the Chicago metropolitan area. Or email our team for more information about TTTS treatment.

Center for Fetal Care - North Campus

Advocate Children's Hospital
1675 Dempster St, 1st Floor
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Center for Fetal Care - South Campus

Advocate Children's Hospital
4440 W. 95th St, Suite 207
Oak Lawn, IL 60453