An article in The Press talks about Tom Morland, of Christchurch, who is the first man in the world to have a newly-developed heart valve implanted.
Whereas previously, doctors had to use clamps or stitches to stop an artery bleeding, the same effect can now be achieved using the new, biodegradable, valve.
An excerpt: (read in full here)
“Asked if he would volunteer to be the first person to trial a new collagen valve to seal his leg artery – used to access the heart.
“He readily agreed.
“”You have got to do your bit for medical developments and so forth,” the 60-year-old said.
“The device, called a catalyst and developed in the United States, is designed to quicken the recovery of patients and prevent bleeding following surgery.
“Morland said his procedure was a great success.”