A groundbreaking procedure at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has marked a major milestone in paediatric cardiac care, with clinicians successfully implanting the UK’s first fully bioabsorbable Memosorb atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device in a child.
The pioneering procedure was carried out on 13-year-old Lillie from Warrington, who was born with an atrial septal defect, a hole in the wall that separates the heart’s two upper chambers. The intervention was led by Dr Salim Jivanji, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, alongside Dr Shreesha Maiya and Dr Arvind Balaji.
An ASD can place significant strain on the heart and lungs if left untreated. Traditionally, the condition is repaired using a permanent metal implant. However, the innovative Memosorb bioabsorbable device provides temporary structural support while the heart’s own tissue heals before gradually dissolving, leaving no permanent implant behind.
The 90-minute procedure represents a significant advancement in treatment options for children with congenital heart defects and may offer greater flexibility for young patients wishing to remain active in later life.
Lillie was diagnosed with ASD while receiving care in Warrington Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after being born prematurely at 33 weeks. Despite the diagnosis, she remained symptom-free throughout childhood and enjoyed an active lifestyle.
A keen sports enthusiast with ambitions of playing professional rugby, Lillie continued to lead a normal life until January 2025, when a routine echocardiogram revealed enlargement on the right side of her heart.
The scan showed that blood returning from the lungs was being shunted through the defect into the right-hand side of the heart, causing the chamber to work harder and become dilated. Concerned that the condition could lead to permanent changes in heart function, Dr Salim Jivanji recommended closure of the defect before more serious complications developed.
For Lillie, the choice of treatment could have had a major impact on her future sporting ambitions.
Traditional metal closure devices can present limitations for patients involved in contact sports due to the risk of displacement during the healing period and the additional mechanical stress they can create.
Dr Salim Jivanji, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Alder Hey, said:
“With traditional metal implants, Lillie wouldn’t have been able to play contact sports because there is a risk of the implant being dislodged by heavy impact before the heart has fully healed. It also poses additional mechanical stress in high contact sports. Thankfully, we could offer Lillie had the option of a Bioabsorbable device, which meant that by it absorbing fully, Lillie could continue to pursue her dream.”
The successful procedure not only allows Lillie to maintain her aspirations of playing rugby at a high level but also highlights the potential benefits of bioabsorbable cardiac devices for selected patients.
Bioabsorbable ASD closure technology is emerging as a promising alternative to permanent metal implants, reducing the long-term presence of foreign material within the heart while maintaining clinical effectiveness.
As one of the first centres in Europe to introduce the technology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital continues to strengthen its reputation for innovation in paediatric healthcare, exploring new approaches that improve outcomes and quality of life for children with congenital heart conditions.
The successful use of the Memosorb device positions the organisation at the forefront of congenital cardiac care and could pave the way for wider adoption of bioabsorbable technology across the NHS in the years ahead.
Image credit: iStock
