LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The nine-month-old conjoined twin girls -- "Baby A" and "Baby B" -- both remain listed in serious condition with stable vital signs, following the 24-hour separation surgery that culminated in the early morning hours of Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, the medical staff extubated (removed the breathing tube) from "Baby B," who is now awake and breathing comfortably on her own. "Baby A," is still medically sedated, but may have her breathing tube removed later today (Monday, Sept. 15).
Note: Due to a request by the parents, no filming or photographing of the twins is permitted by media, however they have allowed Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to make available selected photos and b-roll taken by a hospital photographer and videographer. Nineteen images may be viewed on the hospital website (www.childrenshospitalLA.org), and are available as high resolution JPEGs. B-roll also is available that includes footage of the babies prior to surgery, as well as the surgery itself.
Requests for interviews with the surgical team leader, Dr. James Stein, or other members of the surgical team may be coordinated through the hospital's Office of Communications. Please contact either Roberta Nichols, (323) 669-4133; or Steve Rutledge, (323) 669-4121.