A neurosurgeon used artificial intelligence (AI) to practise the world’s most complex conjoined twins’ separation.
Professor Noor Ul Owase Jeelani led a medical team of 100 people to separate Arthur and Bernardo Lima in June 2022.
He flew from London to Brazil for the operation, and the twins underwent seven operations in Rio de Janeiro, with the final two totalling 44 hours.
But beforehand, he collaborated with medics in Brazil using AI and virtual reality to prepare for the procedure.
Speaking on UK TV’s Good Morning Britain programme last month, the neurosurgeon revealed he practised the surgery using this technology.
He said it was one of the most complex separation processes ever completed and that it was the first time he had used virtual reality across two continents, which helped make surgery ‘a little easier’.
Mr Jeelani is consultant paediatric neurosurgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
His sub-specialty interests are craniofacial reconstructive surgery, craniopagus separation surgery, surgery for brain tumours, cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial pressure pathologies. He is also the founder of Gemini Untwined, a global charity dedicated to treating craniopagus twins.
At the time of the operation, he said: ‘We wish we’d been able to separate the boys a little earlier. There’s certainly enough evidence that if we achieve separation under age one, recovery and rehabilitation are much easier and quicker. So the boys, although they are making good progress, still have lots of challenges.’
Since then, he has received many referrals from around the world. But on Good Morning Britain, he emphasised how ‘time critical’ it is to carry out the procedure to give ‘these kids the best possible chance’. However, access to funds often dictates timings, and whilst he and the medical team give their time for free, hospital time comes at a cost.
He told the programme that those undergoing treatment under the age of one go on to function as normal children. Any delays and ‘that’s when we have problems’, he added.
The charity’s website reported: ‘After two and a half years of care and multiple procedures, the medical team at the Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sought out our advice and expertise to separate twin boys, Arthur and Bernardo. At nearly four years old and with fused brains, this was our most complex case to date and marked the beginning of a long-term partnership with the hospital. This ensures that similar cases in Latin America receive the same level of world-class care in the future.’
The work Gemini Untwined undertakes has a trickle effect to less complex craniofacial issues, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis and facial trauma.
The charity’s research has been published in more than 200 medical papers, and collaborates with other experts in the field.
A spokesperson explained: ‘We have a team of researchers working to understand the epidemiology of craniopagus twins and also the ways to prevent stroke, which is one of the main causes of death in craniopagus twins. Stroke prevention is crucial for improving these children’s survival and quality of life.’
The twins continue to do well following the life-saving surgery.
You can watch the interview here.
The charity is now fundraising for two further sets and urgently needs support with the medical bills. Please donate at http://geminiuntwined.org
