Conjoined Twins Will Remain Together [Video]

A set of conjoined twins, who were born on April 10, will remain together. Andrew Donovan Lee and Garrett Lee Donovan Stancombe share a heart, which is joined at the pumping chamber. Parents Michelle Van Horne and Kody Stancombe are unwilling to consent, as doctors are unsure if either twin would survive a separation.

The Pennsylvania couple said the twins appear to be thriving. Both boys are eating, behaving, and sleeping, as expected. Although caring for conjoined twins is often a “two person job,” Van Horne said “being able to hold them and hear them cry” is rewarding.

The new parents are unwilling to risk the life of either son. As reported by CNN, doctors have never successfully separated twins “with hearts joined at the pumping chamber.” Van Horne said her sons will remain the way they were born — together.

Identical twins occur when an egg divides after fertilization. If the egg fails to divide completely, it produces conjoined twins. Although 40 to 60 percent are stillborn, approximately 200 sets of conjoined twins are born alive every year. Unfortunately, fewer than half will survive.

The rare twins are classified by their point of connection. Andrew and Garrett are omphalopagus conjoined twins, as they are joined “from the breastbone to the waist.” As most omphalopagus twins do not share a heart, Andrew and Garrett are unique.

Doctors estimate approximately 250 separation surgeries have been performed, with a survival rate of 75 percent — for at least one of the twins. The decision can be heartbreaking for parents, as they are often forced to risk the lives of both twins to save one.

Separation surgeries are often long and complicated procedures. Doctors have successfully separated conjoined twins who shared a liver and intestines. However, a shared heart is difficult, if not impossible, to work around.

As reported by WTAE News, Van Horne and Stancombe said the decision to keep their sons together was not easy. However, Van Horne explains that they both feel it is better to “keep them together.” She said “it would hurt… to lose one and have the other.” Although the conjoined twins are unique, they are both quite healthy.

Perhaps the most famous set of conjoined twins, Eng and Chang Bunker, were born in Siam in 1811. The “Siamese twins” were often featured in side shows and traveling exhibitions. Although they were very unique, the men were generally healthy. They lived 63 years and fathered a total of 21 children.

Van Horne and Stancombe know their conjoined twins will face many challenges. However, they are not willing to give up hope.

[Image via ClickOrlando]