Latest news with #PrinceCharlesHospital
ABC News
08-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
How a 3D printed aorta helped surgeons replace a 'ticking time bomb' inside a man's chest
Surgeons have replaced most of a man's aorta in a life-saving operation after scans revealed he was walking around with a "ticking time bomb" inside his chest. The Queensland man's aorta, the biggest blood vessel in the body, had ballooned to about four times the usual size, leaving it in danger of rupturing — a medical emergency likely to have cost him his life. Doctors used a life-sized 3D printed model of the man's dangerously enlarged aorta to prepare for the high-stakes surgery at The Prince Charles Hospital, on Brisbane's northside, last month. In their most complicated anatomical model so far, engineers and industrial designers developed the replica at Brisbane's Herston Biofabrication Institute, using computer software and scans of the patient to guide them. It then took a cutting-edge printer almost four days to create the 3D reproduction, allowing the medical specialists to better plan for the operation on the man, aged in his late 50s, because it gave them a deeper insight into his anatomy before they put scalpel to skin. Without it, they would have had to rely on two-dimensional scans. The cane-shaped aorta starts at the heart's main pumping chamber, then travels upwards and curves over the heart in what's known as the aortic arch, before descending through the chest, down through the abdomen and ending near the navel. It delivers oxygen-enriched blood to the body. Vascular surgeon Samantha Peden said the diameter of the patient's aorta at the arch was about 8 centimetres, compared to the average size of 2-3cm. His had stretched way beyond normal size because of a disorder with his connective tissue, a condition which is yet to be definitively diagnosed. He had surgery in 2017 to repair a tear of the aorta, but the artery continued to expand over time, to the point it needed to be replaced as the wall thinned. "The risk is, if you leave it, it can rupture. Most patients would die," Dr Peden said. The operation itself was not without significant danger. During the procedure, the patient's body had to be cooled so he could be put under circulatory arrest — a condition which involves temporarily stopping the heart to prevent it from pumping blood throughout the body. Blood flow is stopped for about 20 minutes. "They can wake up with a stroke or they might not wake up," Dr Peden said. Paraplegia, kidney and liver failure are also possibilities. In the nine-hour procedure, a team of vascular and heart surgeons, operating in tandem to reduce the length of the surgery, replaced the patient's upper aorta with a synthetic graft made from material Dr Peden describes as akin to flexible, waterproof jackets. Almost three weeks later, the patient is still in hospital but out of intensive care, and preparing for intensive rehabilitation. "He's recovering really well, hasn't had any major complications, so we're all really happy with his progress," Dr Peden said. "There's no evidence of paraplegia. He's got full function to his arms and legs. The man will have the lower part of his aorta replaced later this year. Dr Peden likened the operation to "fancy plumbing", but it's a highly specialised procedure only carried out in about "five or six" centres across Australia and New Zealand because of its complexity. The Prince Charles Hospital team performs just six full aortic replacements on average a year. Industrial designer Liam Georgeson, who is based at the Herston Biofabrication Institute, worked on the 3D model of the patient's aorta using a digital anatomy printer. "It has the ability to print many different materials into the one print," Mr Georgeson said. The former electrician said the institute was working with vascular surgeons to develop patient replicas of blood vessels connected to pumps, designed to copy the rhythmic pumping action of the heart. This allows surgeons to practise on models with simulated blood flow before operating on a patient.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Merthyr Tydfil moving from ironworks to innovation
From the early ironworks to 21st Century innovation, Merthyr Tydfil has always been a town in heavy industry has been and gone, Merthyr's manufacturing sector has ebbed and flowed with the changing priorities of global brands and the UK are some stalwarts of the business community who remain committed to the area, with the boss of Stephens and George printers speaking of his "pride" at employing local a decades-long renovation of the Prince Charles Hospital is now providing a route into work for young people. In the 19th Century, Dowlais in Merthyr had the largest ironworks in the world and helped fuel the industrial industries, employing thousands of people, shaped the economy. But as fortunes changed, so did the business landscape. They have been printing magazines in Dowlais for 60 years, at a company originally founded just over the hill in Aberdare a century George is now at the helm, having joined the family business in the 1970s. He said: "You have to go back over a hundred years to 1912 when my father's mother's father was a Mr George. "He met a Mr Stephens in Aberdare and they created a company called Stephens and George." The company has weathered the economic storms that have swept through Merthyr and the printing industry over the past hundred years."I have been coming to this valley for work since 1979, and the amount of change that I have seen is absolutely incredible," Mr George said. "The whole industrialised area of Merthyr is gone, there isn't any heavy industry left."While the area is no longer "an industrial heartland", Mr George said his company relied on a loyal and local added: "We've got close to 190 people working here at the moment, and a large proportion of them come from within five miles of the factory."There is regular investment at the factory, where multi-million pound machines are bought from German specialist manufacturers every five or six years. The latest press, which is a year old, can print 21,000 sheets of magazine paper every hour at top speed."Come here on Thursdays and it is manic," Mr George smiled. The company does a roaring trade in football and rugby programmes, which fly out of Merthyr to grounds across the UK every is also investment in the workforce, though some people's expectations of the job have changed."Since Covid," Mr George said, "people took a rain check, I think."Trying to find the right type of youngster who wants to come and work in a factory, and do shifts, is difficult."The printing presses run all day and night, seven days a week, and he admitted: "We do find it difficult to recruit good people."Merthyr Tydfil's chimneys have been replaced with industrial estates, call centres and cutting edge military Dynamics employs around 700 people on its armoured vehicle production there is opportunity in the renovation of the town, with long-term work to modernise the Prince Charles Hospital providing construction work and opportunities for young people. Students from The College in Merthyr are getting a foot in the door with work experience on site."In the industry we've got a huge skills shortage," said Kelly Edwards from construction firm Tilbury Douglas."There are not enough young people taking construction as an option. Not many people are aware of the different opportunities within construction."So it is highlighting to us, and developing, our future pipeline of workers."Carpentry student Kayla Williams, 18, said she "really enjoyed" visiting the site."It was active. I could be hands-on. That's just what I love," she said. "I don't really like to sit down and do nothing!" Elliot Lewis-Campbell, also studying carpentry, said it was "so good to be able to watch other people who are more experienced" at the trade."It's so informative to be able to learn from them," he Jones from The College in Merthyr Tydfil said the links with local construction projects were said: "They are bringing contractors from the site down, they are doing CV talks about how to get into jobs, (sharing) interview techniques."Learners are participating in these sessions, developing their skills and trying to get into work."Back at the printers in Dowlais, Mr George thinks his family firm can navigate any economic headwinds."I am very proud to be able to do this. And I want to see the business continue well into the future," he said.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Going to A&E is unbearable for my autistic son'
A man has said A&E departments are "unbearable" and "terrifying" for his autistic son due to the overwhelming sensory environment they create. Robert Cummings, 49, from Merthyr Tydfil, has spent many "stressful" hours in hospital with his six-year-old son Ellis, who becomes distressed by the "bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces". His experiences have inspired him to fundraise to help open Wales' first immersive sensory room at the children's A&E department in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. James Radcliffe, from the National Autistic Society, said autism-friendly hospital spaces were "essential", as standard settings can be distressing and risk misdiagnosis. Families face years on autism waiting lists My son loves to swim but felt unwelcome at pool Ellis was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, which Mr Cummings described as a "difficult period". The youngest of four boys, Ellis is "quiet" unlike his "boisterous, rugby-playing brothers" and has been admitted to Prince Charles Hospital's A&E department eight times due to recurring infections. As he is non-verbal, Ellis finds unfamiliar environments "extremely stressful" and the chaos of A&E often leaves him "anxious, frightened, and misunderstood". Mr Cummings said: "While the doctors and nurses do their best, they don't always have the resources to help him feel safe. "It's devastating to watch, knowing he's not only dealing with a medical issue but also a barrage of overwhelming sensory input that worsens his anxiety." Mr Cummings added the stress does not just affect children but also places "massive pressure" on families who must try to keep them calm in already-difficult circumstances. "Every time we take Ellis to A&E, we face a heartbreaking struggle to soothe him as he encounters a world he doesn't understand," he said. Mr Cummings was inspired to start his fundraiser after one of Ellis' visits to A&E. When he became anxious and overwhelmed, nurses took him to a quiet room with a lamp which helped him calm down and made the experience "so much more manageable" for Mr Cummings and his wife. Moved by this, Mr Cummings spoke with a paediatric doctor in the department and together they came up with the idea of creating an immersive room - a multi-sensory space that uses technology to simulate real or imagined environments, helping children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel more at ease and engaged. He added: "No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the environment around them is too overwhelming. "Every neurodivergent child deserves a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and understood, especially in a medical setting." James Radcliffe from the National Autistic Society said hospitals can be "overwhelming" for autistic people with "bright lights, noise, and uncertainty" triggering distress that is "not just uncomfortable, but clinically risky". Mr Radcliffe added: "Miscommunication or misinterpretation of a situation or medical symptoms can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. "That's why autism-friendly spaces in A&E aren't a luxury - they're essential." While the charity is excited about Wales' first immersive room, Mr Radcliffe said he urges the Welsh government to "have the ambition of ensuring all health and care settings become autism-friendly". A similar immersive room already exists at Greenfield Special School in Merthyr Tydfil, which Mr Cummings hopes to replicate. Built in March 2023 for the school's 205 pupils, it was funded jointly by the National Lottery and community fundraising. Alison Hammer, the school's family liaison officer, said the room offers children experiences they might not otherwise have, such as visiting hospitals, airports and hairdressers. She added the room is used as part of the pupils' daily schedule as it helps with motor skills and communication as they can tap the screen or stamp on the floor. Ms Hammer said she was "over the moon" to hear about Mr Cummings' plans. "Lots of our children spend a lot of time in hospital and the A&E department so this will be amazing for them," she said. "The children will be familiar with the room so it should make the process so much easier." Prince Charles Hospital has found a space within the paediatrics A&E department for the immersive room, but it will cost £27,000 to install. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity has committed to covering half the cost, but Mr Cummings is raising the remainder, which he has almost achieved through a series of community fundraising events. "I just want to create an inclusive, compassionate space that will bring comfort to so many families like mine," Mr Cummings said. Luke Palmer, co-founder of Diversity Dragons sports group for children with ALN in Merthyr Tydfil, said the immersive room will "help so many children in the area". The club, run entirely by volunteers, creates a supportive environment where children can try different sports and help families connect - "without eyes on them". "I just think how amazing would it be for any child who is upset and overwhelmed to be able to go into a room and regulate themselves," he added. Mr Palmer said facilities like this are "invaluable" for helping children prepare for medical experiences and feel "safe, regulated, and included". Abe Sampson, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was "delighted" to support the "incredible" project, which will be the first of its kind across local emergency departments. The Welsh government said it "strives to make hospital and care settings accessible to everyone". "We have been clear that all patients, including neurodivergent people and those with mental health needs, should receive a timely, coordinated assessment," a spokesperson said. It added health boards must reduce harm risks in emergency departments by ensuring accessible environments, reasonable adjustments, and smoother hospital-to-community transitions. Mum told to 'give up' career to care for daughters Disabled children denied education right - report Our soul-destroying wait for daughter's autism diagnosis
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'My autistic son finds going to A&E unbearable - I want to change that'
A man has said A&E departments are "unbearable" and "terrifying" for his autistic son due to the overwhelming sensory environment they create. Robert Cummings, 49, from Merthyr Tydfil, has spent many "stressful" hours in hospital with his six-year-old son Ellis, who becomes distressed by the "bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces".His experiences have inspired him to fundraise to help open Wales' first immersive sensory room at the children's A&E department in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Radcliffe, from the National Autistic Society, said autism-friendly hospital spaces were "essential", as standard settings can be distressing and risk misdiagnosis. Ellis was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, which Mr Cummings described as a "difficult period". The youngest of four boys, Ellis is "quiet" unlike his "boisterous, rugby-playing brothers" and has been admitted to Prince Charles Hospital's A&E department eight times due to recurring infections. As he is non-verbal, Ellis finds unfamiliar environments "extremely stressful" and the chaos of A&E often leaves him "anxious, frightened, and misunderstood".Mr Cummings said: "While the doctors and nurses do their best, they don't always have the resources to help him feel safe."It's devastating to watch, knowing he's not only dealing with a medical issue but also a barrage of overwhelming sensory input that worsens his anxiety."Mr Cummings added the stress does not just affect children but also places "massive pressure" on families who must try to keep them calm in already-difficult circumstances."Every time we take Ellis to A&E, we face a heartbreaking struggle to soothe him as he encounters a world he doesn't understand," he said. Mr Cummings was inspired to start his fundraiser after one of Ellis' visits to A&E. When he became anxious and overwhelmed, nurses took him to a quiet room with a lamp which helped him calm down and made the experience "so much more manageable" for Mr Cummings and his wife. Moved by this, Mr Cummings spoke with a paediatric doctor in the department and together they came up with the idea of creating an immersive room - a multi-sensory space that uses technology to simulate real or imagined environments, helping children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel more at ease and added: "No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the environment around them is too overwhelming."Every neurodivergent child deserves a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and understood, especially in a medical setting." James Radcliffe from the National Autistic Society said hospitals can be "overwhelming" for autistic people with "bright lights, noise, and uncertainty" triggering distress that is "not just uncomfortable, but clinically risky".Mr Radcliffe added: "Miscommunication or misinterpretation of a situation or medical symptoms can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. "That's why autism-friendly spaces in A&E aren't a luxury - they're essential."While the charity is excited about Wales' first immersive room, Mr Radcliffe said he urges the Welsh government to "have the ambition of ensuring all health and care settings become autism-friendly". A similar immersive room already exists at Greenfield Special School in Merthyr Tydfil, which Mr Cummings hopes to replicate. Built in March 2023 for the school's 205 pupils, it was funded jointly by the National Lottery and community fundraising. Alison Hammer, the school's family liaison officer, said the room offers children experiences they might not otherwise have, such as visiting hospitals, airports and hairdressers. She added the room is used as part of the pupils' daily schedule as it helps with motor skills and communication as they can tap the screen or stamp on the Hammer said she was "over the moon" to hear about Mr Cummings' plans."Lots of our children spend a lot of time in hospital and the A&E department so this will be amazing for them," she said. "The children will be familiar with the room so it should make the process so much easier." Prince Charles Hospital has found a space within the paediatrics A&E department for the immersive room, but it will cost £27,000 to install. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity has committed to covering half the cost, but Mr Cummings is raising the remainder, which he has almost achieved through a series of community fundraising events."I just want to create an inclusive, compassionate space that will bring comfort to so many families like mine," Mr Cummings said. Luke Palmer, co-founder of Diversity Dragons sports group for children with ALN in Merthyr Tydfil, said the immersive room will "help so many children in the area". The club, run entirely by volunteers, creates a supportive environment where children can try different sports and help families connect - "without eyes on them"."I just think how amazing would it be for any child who is upset and overwhelmed to be able to go into a room and regulate themselves," he added. Mr Palmer said facilities like this are "invaluable" for helping children prepare for medical experiences and feel "safe, regulated, and included". Abe Sampson, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was "delighted" to support the "incredible" project, which will be the first of its kind across local emergency departments. The Welsh government said it "strives to make hospital and care settings accessible to everyone"."We have been clear that all patients, including neurodivergent people and those with mental health needs, should receive a timely, coordinated assessment," a spokesperson said. It added health boards must reduce harm risks in emergency departments by ensuring accessible environments, reasonable adjustments, and smoother hospital-to-community transitions.
South Wales Argus
08-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Tredegar thug fractured man's skull with baseball bat
Thomas Morgan, 35, swung the weapon at Christopher Holly on his doorstep after turning up at his Tredegar home early on a Sunday morning to confront him. The defendant carried out the 'revenge' attack after becoming jealous about Facebook messages his partner and the victim had shared. After striking Mr Holly to the ground with a second blow, he called Mr Holly a 'rat' and shouted, 'I know where you live' before walking off. Nuhu Gobir, prosecuting, played mobile phone footage capturing the verbal abuse. Newport Crown Court heard how the victim's brave 70-year-old mother Edwina Holly came between them at one point to protect her son. She later told police "she couldn't believe what was happening in broad daylight". Mr Holly was taken to Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil where he was treated and released three days later. As well as sustaining a fractured skull, he suffered from blurred vision, concussion and tinnitus. The assault took place at around 7.30am on July 21. 'There was an element of revenge in this case,' Mr Gobir added. In a victim impact statement, Mr Holly confessed that he now feels 'on edge' following the vicious assault. Morgan, of Harford Street, Sirhowy, Tredegar pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in public. The defendant has previous convictions but none for any offences of violence. The last time he was before the court was in February 2021 for possession of ketamine. Nigel Fryer representing Morgan said in mitigation that his client wanted to apologise to Mr Holly and was 'truly sorry'. His barrister added: 'The complainant had messaged his partner inviting her out for a drink and a date. 'He was pushed to the edge. This is an offence that can be described as being out of character.' Morgan, a father, was, he stressed, 'a pleasant and loving individual'. Mr Fryer said: "This was a deeply unpleasant and deeply unfortunate incident." Judge Carl Harrison told the defendant: 'There is no excuse for what you did that day. 'This offence was motivated by revenge.' Morgan was jailed for three years and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge following his release from custody.
