Quincke versus Diamond-Tip Needles for Entry in Placental Laser Surgery for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Madushka Y De Zoysa; Clifton O Brock; Eric P Bergh; Anthony Johnson; Edgar Hernandez-Andrade; Anthony Nobles; Ramesha M Papanna

doi:10.1159/000530548

Quincke versus Diamond-Tip Needles for Entry in Placental Laser Surgery for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Fetal Diagn Ther. 2023;50(3):196-205. doi: 10.1159/000530548. Epub 2023 Apr 10.

Authors

Madushka Y De Zoysa¹, Clifton O Brock², Eric P Bergh³, Anthony Johnson³, Edgar Hernandez-Andrade³, Anthony Nobles⁴, Ramesha M Papanna³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA.
² Midwest Fetal Care Center, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, clifton.brock@allina.com.
³ Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
⁴ Scarab Technologies, Turner Way, Dallas, Texas, USA.

PMID: 37037188
DOI: 10.1159/000530548

Abstract

Introduction: Chorioamniotic membrane separation (CAS), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), and preterm delivery (PTD) remain as major complications of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). We sought to examine whether use of Quincke-tip needles for initial entry during FLP reduces the risk of these complications.

Methods: This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from patients that had FLP for TTTS at a single tertiary care center (2011-2021). We excluded patients for whom direct trocar entry was used. Patients for whom a Quincke-tip needle was used were compared to those for whom a diamond-tip needle was used during Seldinger entry. Demographics, ultrasound findings and operative characteristics were compared between groups. Postoperative outcomes and complications (including CAS, PPROM, and PTD) were also compared. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit to assess independent risk factors for complications.

Results: 386 patients met inclusion criteria; Quincke-tip needles were used in 81 (21.0%) cases, while diamond-tip needles were used in 305 (79.0%). Rates of CAS (11.1 vs. 9.5%, p = 0.67) and PPROM (44.4 vs. 41.0%, p = 0.57) were similar between groups. Patients in the Quincke-tip group delivered 1.5 weeks earlier than those in the diamond-tip group (30.5 vs. 32.0 weeks, p = 0.01). However, these patients were more likely to be delivered for maternal (35.9 vs. 19.0%) and fetal (23.1 vs. 15.3%) indications (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, needle type was not identified as an independent risk factor for PPROM. However, Quincke-tip needle use was associated with PTD less than 32 weeks (aOR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.02-2.97, p = 0.043).

Conclusion: Membrane complications following FLP were not associated with the needle type used for entry. Earlier delivery in the Quincke-tip group was likely attributable to higher rates of delivery for maternal and fetal indications, and not membrane complications. The needle chosen for entry is likely best determined by operator preference.

Keywords: Fetal surgery; Monochorionic twins; Prenatal diagnosis; Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

MeSH terms

Female
Fetofetal Transfusion* / complications
Fetofetal Transfusion* / surgery
Fetoscopy / adverse effects
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Laser Coagulation / adverse effects
Laser Therapy* / adverse effects
Needles
Placenta
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Twin
Premature Birth* / etiology
Retrospective Studies

Supplementary concepts

Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes