Boys Have CT Scans Before Being Fitted For Protective Helmets

New York City, NY (March 28, 2005) – Doctors at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) are preparing to permanently remove head bandages on formerly conjoined Filipino twins Carl and Clarence Aguirre and replace them with protective helmets.

The first stage in that procedure occurred late last week when the boys visited CHAM for check ups.  They both received clean bills of health followed by CT scans to map their skulls to help design fitted, protective helmets.

“Since Carl and Clarence are becoming so active, we have decided to replace their bandages with fitted helmets,” said David Staffenberg, MD, chief of pediatric plastic surgery at CHAM and one of the two lead surgeons on the boys’ medical team. “We will continue to hold off on any additional procedures involving skull reconstruction so we don't have to interrupt their therapy with a hospital stay.  It is most important at this point that their physical development continues to progress."  

While the boys were at CHAM, Sanjay Parikh, MD, Chief, Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat, examined their ears and removed a build up of wax.  He also changed the way their heads were being bandaged to leave their ears uncovered.  “We want to give the boys every advantage of hearing clearly,” he said.  “Their speech development has been delayed and uncovering their ears could provide some benefit in that department.”

In a follow up examination related to both boys' earlier issues involving eating solid foods, Anthony Loizides, MD, chief of pediatric gastroenterology, said “Carl and Clarence’s eating problems are resolving themselves.  The boys are both moving slowly towards starting to eat more and more solid foods.”

"Clarence is eating lots of chicken nuggets, French fries, fried chicken and bread, along with his pureed foods," said Arlene Aguirre, the boys' mother.  "Carl is partial to yogurt and animal crackers.”

"The boys have been making great progress in the seven months since their separation surgery at CHAM last August," said Dr. Staffenberg.  "We’re looking forward to great things continuing for them in the future.”