Laser Equipment | YOURLASE C60

What is TTTS?

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition of the placenta in monochorionic (identical twin) pregnancies. In TTTS, there is an imbalance in the blood exchange between the babies sharing a placenta. This unequal blood sharing compromises their health, as these interconnected vessels deliver nutrients to the developing twins. One twin –the donor twin—gives away more blood than it receives in return and runs the risk of malnourishment and organ failure. The recipient twin receives too much blood and is susceptible to overwork of the heart and other cardiac complications.

TTTS develops in about 10 to 15 percent of monochorionic or identical twin pregnancies. If left untreated, TTTS can lead to pre-term labor, birth defects or loss of life of one or both twins.

How can Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation help in treatment of TTTS?

Fetoscopic laser ablation of the shared placental vessels is a state-of-the-art and increasingly successful treatment aimed at disconnecting the shared blood vessels between the twins in the placenta. This procedure involves making a small incision in the mother’s abdomen and inserting a trocar, or small metal tube, into the uterus. The surgeon then passes a fetoscope through the metal tube in order to see all of the blood vessel connections on the surface of the placenta shared by the twins. After all of the abnormal blood vessel connections are identified, the laser is applied to seal shut these vessels and disconnect them permanently. This stops the unhealthy blood transfer between them.

Studies show an 80 to 85 percent survival rate for at least one twin following laser ablation and an overall twin survival rate of 65 to 70 percent. The approach also greatly reduces the risk of neurological damage to the babies before birth.

YOURLASE C60

The “YourLase C60” high power medical diode laser system is a Class IV laser and may be used for tissue cutting, tissue vaporization and coagulation. The energy source is a compact diode laser emitting in the wavelength of 940nm. Maximum power is 60 Watt. The laser has three modes of application: continuous, pulse or single shot. The brightness of the pilot/aiming beam, found in the center of the beam, may be adjusted whilst in operation.

Diode laser is a kind of laser with semiconductor as working material. It consist of working material, cavity resonator and power source. The diode laser for this unit is Galas diode bar, and the wavelength is 940nm. It features impact structure, high efficiency and long lifetime. With this unique fibercoupling technology, the laser beam can be coupled efficiently into the fiber.