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.
Walle
Frullo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1579 was adopted by the House on April
16, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House