laser photocoagulation
Fetoscopic procedure using laser energy to ablate abnormal placental vascular connections in twin pregnancies.
Full Definition
Laser photocoagulation is a minimally invasive fetal surgical technique primarily used to treat twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome by selectively ablating abnormal vascular anastomoses on the placental surface. The procedure involves fetoscopic insertion of a laser fiber through the maternal abdomen into the amniotic cavity of the recipient twin. Under direct visualization, the surgeon identifies and coagulates arteriovenous, arterioarterial, and venovenous connections that cause the imbalanced blood flow between twins. This technique has largely replaced amnioreduction as the primary treatment for severe TTTS.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether the approach was selective or non-selective (Solomon technique).
In Context
- "Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation was performed to ablate 12 vascular anastomoses identified on the placental surface." — Operative report
- "The laser photocoagulation procedure successfully eliminated the arteriovenous connections causing the transfusion syndrome." — Post-operative summary