To help the growing number of children born with heart defects, indigenous Bolivian knitters are putting their age-old craft to a more modern use. The Aymara women, who have been knitting intricate and distinct hats, sweaters, and blankets for centuries, are now using their skill to produce an innovative medical product that can seal holes in a baby’s heart.
The device, called Nit-Occlud was developed by cardiologist Dr. Franz Freudenthal. After setting up a clinic in La Paz for children with heart defects, Freudenthal knew he must develop a simple, inexpensive solution to help treat more patients. The occluder, the device's more common name, looks like a top hat and can be inserted into the heart without surgery to help fix the problem.
3 comments:
This is fascinating! I'm going to have to look up a little more information, but it's an incredible idea, and lovely to see traditional skills being put to such good use.
You have got some great posts in your blog. Keep up with the good work.
intros
What the women are doing for the little children with heart defects is very important and really touching, they should continue with the great work. For the record, the knitted items are really gorgeous. Many thanks for sharing. Articles critique help offered to you by experts.
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