Building on Experience

On Aug. 8, 2006, identical twins Abygail and Madysen Fitterer were born to Suzy and Stacy Fitterer of Bismarck, N.D. Like another set of twins from North Dakota, Abbigail and Isabelle Carlsen, Abygail and Madysen were conjoined. The Fitterers drew hope from the Carlsens' story, following news reports and speaking with parents Jesse and Amy Carlsen about their experiences at Mayo Clinic.

"I was so happy they decided to bring their girls to Mayo," says Jesse. "I knew they would get such great care."

Physicians drew on their recent experience with the Carlsen twins, who were separated May 12, 2006, when caring for Abygail and Madysen.

"The Carlsens helped us get separating conjoined twins down to a standard operating procedure," says Christopher Moir, M.D., the Mayo Clinic pediatric surgeon who led the teams caring for both sets of twins. "We had the opportunity to take a difficult and unique case and make it routine, which meant our team knew exactly what to do when the Fitterers arrived."

On Jan. 3, 2007, that team successfully separated Abygail and Madysen. Seven weeks later, the Fitterer family left Mayo Clinic and returned home to Bismarck.

For Dr. Moir, the separation surgeries were meaningful both professionally and personally.

"I choose to work at Mayo because of its unique focus on the patient and its emphasis on teamwork among staff," he says. "The Carlsen and Fitterer cases are wonderful examples of the best of Mayo Clinic."

And those little girls?

"The girls are all absolutely charming," says Dr. Moir. "You can tell by the smiles on the girls' faces that they are well loved and have incredible parents. It was a privilege getting to know both of these families, and I look forward to staying in touch and watching the girls grow up."