3D imaging used in craniopagus surgery
Anias and Jadon McDonald, twins who were conjoined at head and separated at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, are said to be “right on target, if not ahead of schedule” by their doctors, in regards to their craniopagus surgery.
The team of surgeons, who performed the procedure Oct. 14, used virtual planning technology to create 3D models of the boys’ brains and skulls. The models were used as guides as surgeons mapped their way through the boys’ attached brains in a series of complex, high-risk surgeries that resulted in complete separation.
The 3D imaging allowed surgeons to eliminate any guesswork or surprises during the 20-plus hours of surgery. It was an extremely important part of the process when they learned they would be able to decrease infection by placing expanders away from incisions from the boys’ first three surgeries and that they also had enough skin for reconstruction.
Oren Tepper, MD, and James Goodrich, MD, PhD, headed up the team of more than 30 people for the McDonald twins' surgery, which consisted of nurse practitioners, anesthesiologists and radiologists.
Read the full article on their road to recovery:
Jodelle joined TriMed Media Group in 2016 as a senior writer, focusing on content for Radiology Business and Health Imaging. After receiving her master's from DePaul University, she worked as a news reporter and communications specialist.