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.