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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Storm Newton

Teen becomes first UK patient to receive dissolvable heart implant

United Kingdom
  • Lillie Yale, a 14-year-old from Warrington, has become the first patient in the UK to receive a dissolvable heart implant to treat an atrial septal defect.
  • The operation was performed in June by surgical experts at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool under a special licence from the medicines regulator.
  • Known as Memosorb, the biodegradable device acts as a temporary scaffold for the heart to repair itself before fully dissolving into carbon dioxide and water over six to 24 months.
  • The innovative treatment allowed Lillie to continue her dream of playing rugby, which would have been impossible with a traditional metal implant due to the risk of impact damage.
  • Lillie is recovering exceptionally well, having already returned to playing rugby, visiting a theme park and completing a 5k run.

IN FULL

Girl, 14, has dissolvable heart implant the size of 10p coin fitted in UK first

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