In June 2023, twin sisters Mercy and Goodness were born in Nigeria with their skulls partially fused, a condition known as craniopagus, which occurs in only one out of every 2.5 million births. Over the course of six months, the girls underwent a total of four surgeries, involving a collaborative effort of more than 60 medical professionals from five different countries. The final and most complex surgery took place in Abu Dhabi and lasted for an extensive 12 hours, as the twins shared critical blood vessels and brain tissue, raising the stakes significantly. Utilizing artificial intelligence, surgeons were able to develop a precise virtual map detailing the twins' blood vessels and nerves, which facilitated surgical rehearsals in a virtual reality environment. During the actual procedure, doctors employed real-time 3D CT scans, projecting them onto the twins' heads to enhance accuracy and reduce the potential for brain damage during the separation process. Following the successful operation, the twins had their skulls reconstructed using titanium implants produced by a 3D printer. The sisters have since celebrated their third birthday surrounded by their loving family.
Informational material. 18+.
