# Conjoined twins die during final separation surgery in BRA

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/conjoined-twins-separation-surgery-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-08-21T22:10:03.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4.

Craniopagus twins Heloísa and Helena Batista da Silva, aged two years and seven months, died following the fifth and final stage of a planned separation surgery at the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo. The twins, who were joined at the head and shared brain tissue and blood vessels, had undergone four successful preparatory surgeries between August 2025 and March 2026 to manage shared structures and skin expansion.

The final procedure began on August 15, 2026, and lasted approximately 15 hours involving over 50 medical specialists. While the physical separation was completed, the twins suffered severe circulatory complications. Surgeon Jayme Farina Júnior reported that after 10 hours, the twins experienced critical blood pressure fluctuations, including hypertension in one child and profound hypotension in the other. 

Medical reports indicate the twins suffered cardiac and cardiorespiratory arrest shortly after the procedure. Helena suffered a heart attack at 11:12 pm, followed by Heloísa at 11:26 pm. Despite 25 minutes of resuscitation efforts, both were pronounced dead. The surgical team noted the twins' bodies could not withstand the instability during the final separation. Prior to this, the twins had managed health challenges including pneumonia, a tracheostomy, and a gastrostomy. Following the deaths, the twins' father expressed gratitude to the medical team, stating he does not view the loss as a defeat for the doctors.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Conjoined twin girls die after separation surgery in Brazil

Two-year-old conjoined twins Heloísa and Helena Batista da Silva died in Brazil following a 15-hour surgery intended to separate them at Hospital das Clínicas.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conjoined-twin-girls-die-after-separation-surgery-in-brazil

### 2026-08-19: Brazilian craniopagus twins die after final separation surgery

Craniopagus twins Heloísa and Helena died in Brazil following a 15-hour final separation surgery that resulted in severe circulatory complications.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-craniopagus-twins-die-after-final-separation-surgery

### 2026-08-16: Conjoined twins die during final separation surgery in Brazil

Conjoined twins Heloísa and Helena died during the final stage of a multi-step separation surgery at the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto in Brazil.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conjoined-twins-die-during-final-separation-surgery-in-brazil

### 2026-07-27: Conjoined twins Maria Helena and Maria Eva begin prep for separation surgery in Goiânia

Three‑month‑old conjoined twins Maria Helena and Maria Eva arrived in Goiânia, Brazil, to begin preparation for a separation surgery led by pediatric surgeon Zacharias Calil, with treatment funded by the SUS.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conjoined-twins-maria-helena-and-maria-eva-begin-presurgery-preparation-in-goinia

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Cite as: Conjoined twins die during final separation surgery in BRA. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/conjoined-twins-separation-surgery-in-brazil