Advanced MRI to improve surgery and outcomes for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Developing novel MR tools to optimize surgical planning and fetal outcome in TTTS
This project tries new 3D MRI tools to help surgeons plan laser treatment and improve outcomes for twins with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311952 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are pregnant with monochorionic twins and diagnosed with TTTS, the team plans to use advanced 3D MRI to create clearer maps of the placenta, the abnormal vessel connections, and each umbilical cord insertion. These MRI maps will be compared with standard 2D ultrasound and used to guide fetoscopic laser photocoagulation by pinpointing the vessels that need to be closed. Researchers will develop and test new MR processing and visualization tools so surgeons can use the images for planning and during operations. The work involves pregnant participants receiving specialized MRI scans at a center like Boston Children's and tracking surgical and fetal outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant people carrying monochorionic (shared-placenta) twin pregnancies diagnosed with TTTS who are being considered for fetoscopic laser treatment.
Not a fit: People with twins that do not share a placenta, those with very mild or resolved TTTS, or anyone unable to have an MRI or undergo fetal surgery are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, surgeons could more precisely target abnormal placental vessels, lowering the risk of fetal loss and long-term brain injury in affected twins.
How similar studies have performed: Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation has improved TTTS outcomes already, but using advanced MRI to map placental vessels is a newer approach with limited previous testing.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grant, Patricia Ellen — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Grant, Patricia Ellen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.