King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah has successfully treated its first case of Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) syndrome, a rare and complex condition that can occur in monochorionic twin pregnancies.
TRAP syndrome affects approximately 1% to 2.6% of monochorionic twin pregnancies and can pose serious risks to the healthy twin if timely medical intervention is not provided.
Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) syndrome occurs when one twin, known as the acardiac twin, lacks a functional heart and depends on the other twin, known as the pump twin, for blood supply.
This abnormal circulation places significant pressure on the pump twin’s heart. If left untreated, the condition may lead to severe complications, with mortality rates exceeding 50%.
The case involved a 32-year-old patient who was referred from Tabuk after being diagnosed with TRAP syndrome during pregnancy.
Following a full assessment by the medical team, the decision was made to perform a specialized fetal intervention at 18 weeks and 5 days of gestation to protect the healthy twin and reduce the risk of complications.
The medical team performed a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure, a minimally invasive treatment option used in selected cases of Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion syndrome.
The procedure involves inserting a fine needle into the uterus to deliver thermal energy and seal the blood vessels supplying the acardiac twin. This helps reduce the strain on the pump twin’s heart and improves the chances of continuing the pregnancy safely.