Aiden and Dillon's Twin-Twin Transfusion Story: Look at Them Now

Rachael and Govind were ready to leave for a family trip to Disney World when an unexpected diagnosis abruptly changed their plans. For more: http://fetalsurgery.chop.edu.

A routine ultrasound showed that their unborn twin boys had twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a condition in which the blood passes unequally between twins that share a placenta. Without intervention, it can be fatal for both twins. Their doctor suggested they go to the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. One of the most active maternal-fetal centers in the nation, the center cares for a high volume of pregnancies with TTTS every year.

Two days later, Rachael underwent fetoscopic selective laser ablation, a type of minimally invasive fetal surgery procedure in which the center’s skilled surgeons used a special laser to disconnect the shared blood vessels between the twins with the hope of halting the progression of TTTS.

Rachael had to remain on bed rest and in close proximity to CHOP for frequent checkups for one week after surgery, but within just 24 hours, it was clear that the procedure was a success. The fluid around the donor twin had already doubled, and it continued to increase each day.

Aiden and Dillon were born on July 27, 2012, in CHOP’s Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit, the first birthing unit within a pediatric hospital dedicated to healthy mothers carrying babies with serious and life-threatening birth defects.

The babies were only about 4 lbs. each and had to spend a few days in CHOP’s Harriet and Ronald Lassin Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit. But within one week of birth, both twins were able to go home. Now nearly three years old, they are healthy, strong, energetic and happy kids.