Post by Owase Jeelani

Today, I’m proud to share a milestone that represents the very best of global collaboration, surgical innovation, and human determination. Alongside colleagues from the UAE, UK, Brazil and Nigeria, Gemini Untwined, in partnership with PureHealth in Abu Dhabi, successfully completed the first separation of craniopagus twins in the UAE. Mercy and Goodness were born with fused skulls, intertwined brain tissue and shared blood vessels. It was one of Gemini’s most complex referrals to date and one that required execution with a precision not encountered before. Our ninth successful craniopagus separation for Gemini, the process incorporated several groundbreaking advances, including AI-assisted surgical planning, mixed reality-designed implants, and innovative techniques that reduced surgical complexity and recovery burden. The case brought together surgical expertise, AI-assisted planning, mixed reality technology and, above all, the dedication of more than 60 healthcare professionals working towards a common goal – to give these girls a new future.   This landmark separation has given Mercy and Goodness the opportunity to grow up together as sisters while living independent lives. It has been an honour to work alongside such an incredible team to achieve this, and I want to thank everyone involved, particularly the unconditional support from the UAE senior leadership and the PureHealth team, whose support was instrumental in making the separation possible, and crucially, hosted the girls and their parents for all surgeries. This really is a beautiful example of how we can produce life-changing outcomes through global collaboration and knowledge-sharing: skill, technology and humanity coming together to defy all odds. Mercy and Goodness have now been discharged and are preparing to return home, having fully recovered and enjoying their lives as ordinary three-year-olds!