84R17293 BPG-D

By: Walle H.R. No. 1579

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, A distinguished surgical team at Texas Children's Hospital earned worldwide acclaim by successfully separating conjoined twins on February 17, 2015; and

WHEREAS, An extraordinarily delicate procedure, the separation took months of preparation; the twins, Knatalye and Adeline Mata, shared several organ systems when they were born prematurely in April 2014, and they were cared for in the hospital's Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; in advance of the surgery, 3D models of skeletons, blood vessels, and organs were created and the staff conducted a five-hour simulation; and

WHEREAS, On the morning of the surgery, the team of over 30 highly skilled professionals included 8 nurses, 6 anesthesiologists, and 12 surgeons; among the specialists were experts in pediatric surgery, liver transplant surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, urology, pediatric gynecology, and plastic surgery; the complex procedure took 26 hours, encompassing 18 hours for the initial separation and additional time to ensure that each twin will be able to lead a healthy, independent life; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable surgery was the first such procedure in Houston in nearly two decades, and the members of this outstanding surgical team are to be commended for their tremendous accomplishment in making the impossible possible for two little girls and their family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Texas Children's Hospital surgical team on the successful separation of conjoined twins and extend to the doctors, nurses, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.