Improving surgical planning and outcomes for twins with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
Official title: Developing novel MR tools to optimize surgical planning and fetal outcome in TTTS
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11145174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve surgery for twins with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) by using new MRI technology to get a clearer picture of their placentas and blood flow, which could help doctors make better decisions and lead to healthier outcomes for both twins.
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $717,249 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114338-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women expecting monochorionic twins diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with singleton pregnancies or those with non-monochorionic twin pregnancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing surgical planning and outcomes for twins affected by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a serious condition in monochorionic twin pregnancies. The project aims to develop advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tools that provide better visualization of placental structures and blood flow dynamics. By utilizing these novel imaging techniques, the research seeks to improve the accuracy of surgical interventions, potentially leading to better health outcomes for both twins. Patients will be monitored closely to assess the effectiveness of these new methods in real-time during treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risks associated with TTTS, improving survival rates and neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected twins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that improved imaging techniques can enhance surgical outcomes in similar conditions, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
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.