Pregnancy of acardiac twins (twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence) is an abnormality considered a severe case because of the disorder of the twins’ arteries, leading to abnormal development of the babies, i.e., only lower organs grow while no growth develops for the upper trunk and head. The blood from the decently developed fetus will transfer itself to nurture the disorderly growing fetus, leading to heart failure and eventually death of both.
Asst. Prof. Kiattisak Kongwattanakul, M.D., a specialist of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University revealed that treatment of such case necessitates ablation of the abnormal umbilical artery of one baby in order save the other baby. The surgery needs a specialist and advanced equipment. It is the first time at Srinagarind Hospital and the first time in Thailand for this ablation for cord coagulation. The outcome is saving the babies from heart failure and allowing future pregnancy of the mother.
November 11, 2021 – a team of specialists of Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, consisting of Asst. Prof. Kiattisak Kongwattanakul, M.D. and Asst. Prof. Ratana Khamwilaisak, M.D., from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with Doctor Anucha Ahuya, M.D., a specialist in body interventional radiology, Department of Radiology and Doctor Monsicha Somjit, M.D., a specialist of the Department of Anesthesiology; and the nurse team from the delivery room, performed the surgery on the case by microwave ablation for cord coagulation. The mission was a complete success! The mother is now under rehabilitation while the babies are taken very close care of. It is the first time ever in Thailand!
The equipment and tools have been procured for this purpose from the Social Security Unit of Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, KKU, which cost 30,000 baht.
