Latest news with #Jansz
Sydney Morning Herald
09-07-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
CorWave device: Australian man receives heart implant at St Vincent's Hospital in world first
Jansz said the two-hour surgery was similar to that required for implant devices currently on the market, but its unique design had the potential to deliver enormous benefits for patients. Loading 'This represents a quantum leap in terms of technology,' he said. 'Very sick patients need a lot of blood flowing around their body … this new [implant] has the ability to pump, not only in a pulsatile manner, but in a greater volume.' The device, which effectively bypasses the failing pump action of the left ventricle, is implanted to act as a bridge to transplantation: keeping the patient alive and well until a donor heart becomes available. Smith is currently living in an apartment close to the hospital. He will return to Leeton in a few weeks, where he is looking forward to catching up with his sons and grandchildren – and getting back on the golf course. 'This transition period with the CorWave allows Michael to get better,' Jansz said. 'His kidneys are working normally, his brain and his heart's working well, he's nourished and he's essentially normal. That's a much better situation to go into a transplant with.' Smith was the first of about 20 patients expected to receive the implant as part of a three-year clinical trial testing the device's efficacy. One other patient has since received the implant at St Vincent's. Mimicking the behaviour of a normally functioning heart, the CorWave's oscillating membrane is driven by a single moving part that automatically adjusts blood flow based on what the patient needs – speeding up when the patient is moving and slowing down at times of rest. This represents a major shift from traditional LVADs, which use a rotating impeller to pump a continuous and fixed flow of blood, without generating a pulse. 'The benefit is that it will be able to respond to exercise more efficiently, and it can be put in sync with the heartbeat … the hope is that will translate to better outcomes for patients,' said Professor Chris Hayward, the senior cardiologist at St Vincent's who led Smith's recovery. Around 144,000 people in Australia live with heart failure, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates. It was the underlying cause of more than 5000 deaths and contributes to more than 170,000 hospitalisations each year. St Vincent's implants about 60 LVADs a year, Hayward said. The procedure is the latest milestone for the globally renowned team at St Vincent's, who in November implanted the world's first totally artificial heart. The research trial has not received Australian government funding, but the device has attracted significant backing from governments and private investors in Europe. Inspired by the movement of marine animals, the undulating membrane technology was conceived by former triple jumper Jean-Baptiste Drevet, who died in 2022. CorWave chief executive Louis de Lillers said the device was the result of more than a decade of research and development by Paris-based engineers and doctors. 'We owe this moment to the trust of the patient, the excellence of the team at St Vincent's, and the perseverance of our team,' he said. Start the day with a summary of the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Where To Eat In The Dutch Capital Of Amsterdam Right Now
Jansz It's a big year for Amsterdam: The captial of the Netherlands is celebrating its 750th birthday this October, and while there is no shortage of reasons to visit (the sights, the art, the tulips!), the city's world-class cuisine is one of its top draws. From always-evolving tasting menus served in centuries-old dining rooms to Dutch brasseries with an eye for detail, Amsterdam's dining scene is at the top of its game. The White Room With soaring gold-accented ceilings and dramatic oversized flower displays, the Michelin-starred White Room is considered to be the oldest, unchanged restaurant in Amsterdam. It's a must-visit for old-fashioned fine dining; the kind of place to go to celebrate a special occasion. On the fringes of the always-busy Dam Square, this intimate restaurant is a visual delight, swathed in neoclassical detailing that brings to mind the city's bygone Golden Age. Spearheaded by Jacob Jan Boerma, the on-point tasting menu is served both for lunch, as well as dinner, alongside an a la carte offering. Plates can be described as modern Dutch with European haute cuisine technicality. The ingredients are intricate and seasonal, rooted in the country's terroir. Standout bites include the slightly cured, delicate kingfish, with notes of geranium flower and a citrusy hit of bergamot, and the rich pigeon main course, served perfectly pink. Also of note: the house-made sourdough bread, crafted with both whole wheat and spelt, and the expertly cooked, caramelly canelés for dessert. Service is unsurprisingly a ten out of ten. VanOost The relaxed, leafy neighborhood of East Amsterdam has found a new culinary hero in the exquisite VanOost. Nestled on the edge of the very pretty Oosterpark in a converted university building, VanOost has a refined, modern look with moody lighting; overhead wooden beams; and theatrical florals—with a massive open kitchen at its heart. While the restaurant is a new addition to Amsterdam, it has quickly become one of the city's most exciting fine-dining destinations. Top Chef Floris van Straalen crafts expressive dishes that fuse together European and Japanese techniques, featuring Dutch produce and ingredients. Highlights include the signature langoustine dish with dashi beurre blanc, and the dry-aged duck, prepared with precision and plated with a painterly finesse. (Almost every dish is a photogentic delight.) Save space for seasonal desserts (like a twist on summer strawberries and cream), as well as a formidable cheese trolley with plenty of Dutch cheeses. Pre- or post-dinner cocktails can be enjoyed in the restaurant's chic bar space, with large windows overlooking the treetops of Oosterpark. Lotti's Set in the heart of the trendy and quaint Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), The Hoxton Herengracht (one of two Hoxton hotels in the city) is a stylish mash-up of 17th-century canal-house architecture and industrial-stylish design. The hip hotel's in-house restaurant Lotti's is a lively all-day affair and a perennial favorite for its easy-going brasserie menu. There are some classic dishes here, but they are done up in a modern way. Think: on-trend gildas gone Dutch with silvery pickled herring (a staple in this city) and bite-sized bitterballen, another classic snack, made up of meat and potatoes shaped into balls and fried to crispy perfection. While most tourists head to Winkel 43 for the Dutch apple pie, Lotti's version gives it a run for its money, with plump raisins; a thick, flaky crust; and well-spiced Dutch apples. Lotti's also has a fantastic cocktail list with seasonal additions and local influences, like drinks made with Dutch gin (jenever) and grain wine (korenwijn). Marie Considered to be the city's grandest hotel, Hotel De L'Europe feels like stepping into another time period while still maintaining a distinctly Amsterdam air. It's a monument to long-ago luxury, with Belle Époque flourishes and an enviable location on the Amstel canal. There's no shortage of places to eat here, including the Michelin-praised and newly redesigned Restaurant Flore, and Freddy's Bar, named after Alfred Heineken, the patriarch of the famous beer family, who still serve as custodians of the historic hotel. However, Brasserie Marie is a top pick among locals and visitors. Relaxed but still upscale, this eatery is housed in an airy, conservatory-style setting with delicate vintage touches and oil paintings lining the walls. The menu features refined French cuisine with an overarching Mediterranean vibe, as well as some of the best bread in town: a doughy fougasse, served hot from the oven and sprinkled with crystals of sea salt. Signature dishes include steak tartare and seasonal seafood plates. Expect all dishes to be effortlessly polished, and this is a true gem for long, lazy lunches or romantic dinners. Book during sunset and ask for a table with views over the canal. Peacock Alley Occupying six 17th-century canal houses on the Herengracht ("Gentleman's Canal" in Dutch), the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is undeniably impressive and considered one of the city's top stays. It's also home to the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Spectrum, as well as one of the city's prettiest spots for tea. Based in the heart of the hotel just off the lobby, Peacock Alley is the hotel's plush, grand all-day dining lounge. With the air of a private salon and views over the flower-filled garden, this is the spot in the city to try afternoon tea. Crystal chandeliers, blue banquettes, and genteel classical music set an aristocratic tone, while finger sandwiches, fine-bubbled champagne and sweet treats fill the table. The tea is fantastic too, with several signature blends made just for the hotel in collaboration with the world-famous tea brand, TWG Tea. Try First Edition, a green tea made with verbena and cherry blossoms. Oriole Once a 15th-century convent, then city hall, and now a five-star Sofitel Legend property, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam sits between two canals just off Dam Square. The hotel's top restaurant, Oriole Garden Bistro has been praised by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand accolade, for its good-quality and good-value cooking. In a glasshouse-style space filled with sunlight and hanging greenery, the restaurant plates up international dishes like thick cuts of beef served with parsnip puree and shavings of truffle and catch-of-the-day with lemony risotto. The seafood is especially noteworthy here as the restaurant is part of the Netherlands' Fish&Season Foundation, which is committed to high-quality and sustainable fishing. A concise menu du chef of three or four courses presents a good value at €50 or €60, respectively (a bargain for expensive Amsterdam). Some of the produce and herbs are grown onsite on the hotel's rooftop garden, which also has its own beehives for honey harvesting. Jansz Named after an affluent 17th-century Dutchman once sketched by Rembrandt, Jansz is a great spot for a casual lunch, offering a calm, contemporary take on classic Dutch dining. Well-lit, bistro-like interiors are warm and inviting with creamy blush tones, brushed brass features and large windows overlooking the charming streets and canals. Though Jansz has been around for a few years now, it remains fresh and relevant, loved among locals for its unfussy and elevated dishes. The kitchen focuses on simple, seasonal plates like yellowtail ceviche; seabass served skin on; and a particularly indulgent steak sandwich in a fluffy brioche-style roll. The wine list is well considered, and there's even a white wine from the Netherlands on offer: an Apostelhoeve Cuvée XII from Limburg, Netherlands. On warmer days, opt for a table in the restaurant's Rosé Garden, decorated with striped pillows and potted lavender plants. Here, there's a well-curated menu of rosé wines and sparkling wines to choose from, as well as an a la carte food menu. Overall, the vibe is high end but relaxed with just the right amount of buzz—it's a perfect microcosm of modern Amsterdam. Restaurant Bougainville Perched above the hustle and bustle of Dam Square, Bougainville (part of TwentySeven Hotel, an SLH Hotel) is where theatrical interiors meet Michelin-starred precision. The space is a maximalist fantasy, with mustard-yellow velvet banquettes, city views over the Dam and gold details throughout. The food also leans into this luxurious drama, and every plate feels wrapped in decadence and extravagance. Dutch Chef Tim Golsteijn orchestrates an elaborate one-Michelin-starred tasting menu that is not afraid of being avant-garde. It's interesting and dazzling—both visually and gastronomically. And above all, every bite feels truly new and extravagant, from the amuse bouche of delicate tuna nori rolls with Perle Imperial caviar and duck liver mousse with Dutch liquorice, to the desserts of early season Lambada strawberries served with tarragon frost. One dish that has been on the menu since the beginning is the unmissable gado gado, an Indonesian-inspired green papaya salad, served here with a crown coconut mousse and a heart of lime ice cream. Winning Gault&Millau's Wine List of the Year Award in 2025, a wine pairing here is a must. Expertly curated by Maître-Sommelier Ronald Opten, each course is transformed into a miniature journey by his suggestions and stories.
The Guardian
11-03-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Australian man survives 100 days with artificial heart in world-first success
An Australian man with heart failure has become the first person in the world to walk out of a hospital discharged with a total artificial heart implant. The Australian researchers and doctors behind the operation announced on Wednesday that the implant was an 'unmitigated clinical success' after the man lived with the device for more than 100 days before receiving a donor heart transplant in early March. The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, invented by Queensland-born Dr Daniel Timms, is the world's first implantable rotary blood pump that can act as a complete replacement for a human heart, using magnetic levitation technology to replicate the natural blood flow of a healthy heart. The implant, still in the early stages of clinical study, has been designed for patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure, which generally develops after other conditions – most commonly heart attack and coronary heart disease, but also other diseases such as diabetes – have damaged or weakened the heart so that it cannot effectively pump blood through the body effectively. Every year, over 23 million people around the world suffer from heart failure, but only 6,000 will receive a donor heart, according to the Australian government who provided $50m to develop and commercialise the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart as part of the Artificial Heart Frontiers Program. The implant is designed as a bridge to keep patients alive until a donor heart transplant becomes available, but BiVACOR's long-term ambition is for implant recipients to be able to live with their device without needing a heart transplant. The patient, a man in his forties from New South Wales who was experiencing severe heart failure, volunteered to become the first recipient of the total artificial heart in Australia, and the sixth in the world. The first five implants took place earlier in 2024 in the United States, and all received donor hearts before being discharged from hospital, with the longest time in between implant and transplant 27 days. The Australian patient's implant took place on 22 November 2024 at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney in a six-hour procedure led by the cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon Dr Paul Jansz. The Australian patient, who declined to be identified, was discharged from the hospital with the implant in February. A donor heart became available to be transplanted in March. Jansz said it was a privilege to be part of such an historic and pioneering Australian medical event. 'We've worked towards this moment for years and we're enormously proud to have been the first team in Australia to carry out this procedure,' Jansz said. Prof Chris Hayward, a cardiologist at St Vincent's, who led the observation of the man in after a few weeks in the intensive care unit, said the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart would transform heart failure treatment internationally. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion 'The BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart ushers in a whole new ball game for heart transplants, both in Australia and internationally,' he said. 'Within the next decade we will see the artificial heart becoming the alternative for patients who are unable to wait for a donor heart or when a donor heart is simply not available.' Prof David Colquhoun from the University of Queensland and board member of the Heart Foundation, who was not involved in the trial, said the success so far was a 'great technological step forward for artificial hearts - bridging hearts – before transplant'. However, Colquhoun cautioned that the functioning timespan of the artificial heart – more than 100 days – was still significantly less than that of a donor heart, which is over 10 years (or 3000 days). Colquhoun said for that reason it was still 'a long way to go' before the artificial heart could be considered a replacement for a heart transplant. He emphasised however the numbers per population experiencing heart failure are far less because of the heart medications now available – the peak of death rate from heart disease was around 1967-68 with 47,000 Australians dying from heart disease out of a then population of 11 million, compared with 45,000 of 22 million Australians in 2022. The implant is the first in a series of procedures planned in Australia as part of the Monash University-led Artificial Heart Frontiers Program, which is developing three key devices to treat the most common forms of heart failure.
