Alder Hey has become the first hospital in the UK to successfully implant a fully bioabsorbable (Memosorb) atrial septal defect (ASD) closure device, marking a significant milestone in paediatric cardiac care.
The pioneering procedure was performed on 13 year old Lillie from Warrington who was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD) – a hole in the wall between the heart’s two upper chambers and performed by Alder Hey led by Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist Dr Salim Jivanji, alongside Dr Shreesha Maiya and Dr Arvind Balaji.
Left untreated, an ASD can place additional strain on the heart and lungs over time. Traditionally, these defects are closed using a permanent metal implant. The innovative bioabsorbable device provides temporary support while the heart’s own tissue heals then gradually dissolves, leaving no permanent implant behind. The procedure, which took approximately 90 minutes, represents a major advancement in the treatment options available for some children with congenital heart defects.
13 year old Lillie was diagnosed with ASD when she was being cared for in Warrington Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after being born at 33 weeks. Fortunately, Lillie didn’t suffer any symptoms over the years and had led a normal life. Lillie loves sports, particularly rugby and really hoped to play professionally one day. However, in January 2025, an echocardiogram revealed that Lillie’s heart had become enlarged on the right side. This showed that the ASD was affecting how her heart was functioning. The defect meant that the blood returning to the heart from the lungs was shunting to the right-hand side, causing the right side of the heart work harder and become dilated. Dr Jivanji recommend repairing the ASD before more severe enlargement or permanent changes to the heart developed. If Lillie had a traditional metal implant, the risks of playing a high contact sport would likely meanmean saying goodbye to her dreams of becoming a rugby star.
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.”
Lillie had the procedure in June and she is already back in school full time and also fitness training with her rugby team. Lillie also completed Pretty Muddy 5k just two weeks after surgery with her teammates, raising over £1000 for cancer research.
Dr Salim Jivanji, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at Alder Hey, said:
“We’re grateful to Lillie and her family for trusting us and allowing us to be part of her journey. Being the first interventional cardiology team in the UK to perform this procedure is a proud milestone and reflects Alder Hey’s commitment to bringing innovative treatments that improve outcomes for children and young people.”
Lillie said:
‘I’m really happy it’s all done now, I’m enjoying doing the things I love and not having to worry about my heart.”
Mum Becci said:
“Sometimes you can leave an appointment feeling like someone is simply doing their job, but every member of the cardiology team and nurses on ward 1C who cared for Lillie made us feel that they genuinely wanted the very best for her and for our family. Their kindness, compassion and dedication made an enormous difference to us throughout our journey. We can’t be more grateful to Dr Jivanji who went above and beyond to help Lillie continue with her normal life.”
Bioabsorbable ASD closure devices offer an exciting new option that may avoid leaving a permanent implant in the heart. As one of the first centres in Europe to introduce this technology, Alder Hey continues to explore innovative approaches that improve care and quality of life for children with congenital heart conditions. Thanks to this development, Lillie can continue