The Wonders Of Medical Science 2

The Wonders Of Medical Science 2

DR BERNARD predicted that human hearts will one day be grown artificially to suit patients, using genetic engineering techniques that can already produce skin.
         Among Dr Bernard's other achievements at the development of a new design for artificial heart valves, doing heart transplanting on animals, and correcting the problem of the blood supply to the fetus during pregnancy.
        Dr Bernard died in 2001, at the ripe old age of 78, ironically, he died of a suspected heart attack. more than 60,000 heart transplants have been performed since Dr Bernard's first operation, and survival rate have increased significantly-90% of patients survived the operation, with an 85% chance of living for a year and a 70 - 75% chance of lasting 5yrs.
       However, transplant surgery is still far from perfect, and the search for more reliable methods continues. Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, A London Surgeon who has performed the most heart transplants, says: 'My greatest hope is transplants without drugs which gives side-effects. '
        Dr Yacoub is at the forefront of modern research. His studies involve controversial research into using animal hearts. But his greatest concern is about public attitudes and the shortage organ donors. Transplants - particularly of corneas and kidneys - are becoming more common in Nigeria. in a recent survey in Lagos, 428 subjects aged roughly 31 participated in the study. Although 60% were aware of organ donation, only 30% were willing to donate an organ.