A team from the Grootte Schuur Hospital, the University of Cape Town and Strait Access Technology has developed a heart valve that could change millions of people’s lives.
This Sunday it will be 50 years since the first human to human heart transplant was performed by a team led by Christiaan Barnard.
Half a century later, new technology from the very same hospital has received international acclaim.
Made of plastic, the valve can be inserted in a minimally invasive procedure.
Developed over eight years, it is designed to repair or replace diseased heart valves.
Professor Peter Zilla, from the Chris Barnard Cardiology Team at the hospital says the the heart valve is revolutionary.
He says 50 years later it stands for cardiac surgery still being a cutting edge discipline.
He says it provides a role model for those who still want to dedicate their entire life to one passion.
