Mayo Magazine

Conjoined Twins Separated at Mayo Clinic

Parents, Jesse and Amy Carlsen and their daughters, Abbigail and Isabelle, before surgery. Photo courtesy of Star Tribune/Joey McLeister.

Abbigail and Isabelle Carlsen, conjoined twin daughters of Amy and Jesse Carlsen of Fargo, N.D., were separated at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital on Friday, May 12, at 4:28 p.m. Separation surgery began at 9:44 a.m.

A 70-member Mayo Clinic team, led by Christopher Moir, M.D., had cared for Abby and Belle since Feb. 24, studying their anatomy in detail and preparing them for separation. On May 12, a team of 30, including 18 surgeons from various specialties, participated in the operation.

Mayo created a Web page to enable family and friends, as well as others who had followed the twins' story to get parent-approved updates on the girls' status during and after the surgery.

On Mother's Day, Amy and Jesse Carlsen issued this statement: "Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who feel like Abby and Belle have become their own. Thank you for your continued prayers and support."

Abbigail and Isabelle Carlsen went home on Tuesday, June 6.