Cheshire teenager first in the UK to get a dissolvable heart implant

In a groundbreaking medical procedure, 14-year-old Lillie Yale from Warrington has become the first person in the UK to have a dissolvable implant fitted to close a hole in her heart.

The innovative device, known as Memosorb, offers a promising alternative to traditional metal devices, allowing Lillie's heart to heal naturally.

Performed by surgeons at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, the procedure took place in June.

The biodegradable implant serves as a scaffold, enabling Lillie's heart to repair the atrial septal defect (ASD) without leaving any permanent traces.

The size of the hole in her heart was comparable to a 10 pence piece, and with a metal implant, her dream of playing professional rugby would have been compromised.

Lillie's mother, Becci Nichols, shared her daughter's progress, stating that she is “healing perfectly” and has resumed activities such as running a 5k, visiting a theme park, and playing rugby.

According to Dr Salim Jivanji, consultant paediatric cardiologist at Alder Hey, Memosorb contrasts with existing metal devices which require tissue lining.

Instead, it acts as a temporary structure which eventually dissolves into carbon dioxide and water as the heart fully heals.

Dr Jivanji explained that without Memosorb, Lillie's ability to play rugby would be at risk due to potential dislodgement or mechanical stress on a metal device.

The decision to fit Memosorb was facilitated by Alder Hey's special licence from the medicines regulator.

Lillie expressed joy at being the first in the UK to receive the implant, saying, “It’s amazing to know I was the first person in the UK to have this new type of implant."

She continues to have regular check-ups every couple of months to monitor her progress.

Diagnosed with ASD shortly after her premature birth at 33 weeks, Lillie showed no symptoms until her heart became enlarged in January 2025.

Her mother, Becci Nichols, familiar with the condition through family experience, advocated for early intervention to avoid disrupting Lillie's GCSE studies.

Doctors initially planned to fit her with an implant within two years, but her mother's persistence ensured the operation was carried out sooner.

Ms Nichols spoke highly of the care and effort from Alder Hey’s team, expressing gratitude for their dedication.

Dr Javanji emphasized the collaborative nature of such ground-breaking procedures, noting the significance of teamwork and ongoing innovation at Alder Hey.

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