Case Study: Driscoll Children's Hospital achieves successful separation of conjoined twins with 3D Systems' 3D-printed anatomic models

Delivering a New Life to Hernandez-Torres Conjoined Twins with 3D-Printed Anatomic Models

3D Systems Healthcare partnered with Driscoll Children’s Hospital to help plan the separation of rare conjoined triplets, Ximena and Scarlett Hernandez‑Torres, who were fused from the navel down and shared colon, parts of the uterus and crossed urinary anatomy. The complex, atypical organ placement created an unusually challenging surgical roadmap that required multidisciplinary coordination across pediatric surgery, urology, plastic surgery and orthopedics.

3D Systems converted CT data into detailed 3D visualizations and sterilizable, physical anatomical models (printed on a ProX 800 SLA system)—including a translucent model showing skeleton and vasculature and an opaque model for incision planning—to simulate cuts, reposition pelvises and reveal an unexpectedly low kidney. The models and virtual walkthroughs enabled clearer team planning, saved several critical hours in the OR (planned 20 hours, completed ~12), and contributed to a successful separation; both twins recovered, are undergoing therapy, and are expected to lead normal lives.

Driscoll Children’s Hospital

Kevin Hopkins

Driscoll Children’s Hospital