Management of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence with microwave ablation: A case report and review of the literature

J Clin Ultrasound. 2024 Oct;52(8):1208-1213. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23754. Epub 2024 Jun 28.

Abstract

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence carries a high mortality risk to the "pump twin." Management involves disrupting blood flow to the acardiac mass. In this case, the pregnant patient presented at 20 weeks 6 days with Stage IIb TRAP Sequence and underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) of the acardiac mass at 21 weeks 0 days. The probe traversed the thorax of the acardiac mass and ablated the confluence of the umbilical vessels. A healthy child was delivered at 33 weeks 5 days gestation. This report demonstrates the utility of MWA in TRAP sequence and describes a novel approach.

Keywords: TRAP sequence; acardiac twin; microwave ablation; radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques / methods
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fetofetal Transfusion* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Microwaves* / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Twin
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal* / methods