Salomón Hakim
Salomón Hakim Dow | |
---|---|
Born | Neurosurgeon | 4 June 1922
Known for | Inventor of valve to treat normal pressure hydrocephalus and pioneer in the field of neurohydrodynamics. |
Spouse | Yvette Daccach |
Children | Carlos Hakim Daccach Fernando Hakim Daccach Rodolfo Hakim Daccach María Clara Hakim Daccach |
Salomón Hakim Dow (4 June 1922 – 5 May 2011) was a Colombian neurosurgeon, researcher, and inventor. A descendant of Lebanese immigrants, he is known for his work on neurosurgery and for the precursor of the modern valve treatment for hydrocephalus.[1]
Early life
Although his parents wanted him to learn how to play any musical instrument, Hakim instead showed interest and curiosity for science in his early childhood, especially physics and electricity. It is said that he locked himself in his room to make electric circuits and build radios at the age of 12. He finished high school at Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé, in Bogotá, Colombia.
At 22 years of age, Hakim started medical school at Universidad Nacional in Bogotá, but his passion for electricity continued and led him to perform research in electrical output during digestion, the effects of low voltage on womb contraction, and the calcium formation stimulation by electrolysis. He later travelled to the United States to continue his medical studies in Neurosurgery in 1950, and Neuropathology in 1954.
Career and normal-pressure hydrocephalus
During his Research fellowship, Dr. Hakim performed autopsies of Alzheimer Disease patients and with other degenerative diseases of the
Unidirectional valve
The first valve to treat hydrocephalus was introduced in 1949 by Spitz, but this valve had several disadvantages which sometimes risked the patient's life. Knowing this and working in his home shop in Bogotá, Hakim improved and developed a unidirectional valve with the capacity to regulate the CSF pressure by adding a spring pressure control in a stainless steel cone and synthetic ruby ball. This valve was much safer, and it was introduced to the medical community in 1966. Despite of all medical advances, all modern valves are built based on his invention. He holds more than 28 United States patents for his various inventions.[4] Nowadays, following his father steps, Carlos, Hakim's eldest son, has continued his father's research in neurosurgery and engineering. Carlos, with the collaboration of his father, has recently developed a programmable and adjustable (through the skin) valve which may prevent ventricular collapse when the pressure of the CSF is too low.[citation needed] Today, the valve is marketed under the name Codman Hakim valve, acquired by Integra LifeSciences in 2017.[5][6][7]
Other achievements and legacy
Hakim's findings and inventions brought him global recognition. He has been invited and has given lectures in more than 85 Neurosurgery conferences around the planet in 33 different countries, in Europe (specially England and France), Asia (Hong Kong, South Korea and Middle East countries) as well as the whole American continent. He held 45 English publications (7 of them in the New England Journal) to complete 70 in other languages. He also worked as a professor for Universidad de los Andes, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and La Universidad Javeriana in Colombia as well as being the director of the Neurosurgeon Department in the Military Hospital in Bogotá.[8] In 2010, Dr Hakim got an award from the Hydrocephalus Association in its annual conference in Cleveland, the Lifetime Achievement award, for his extense contribution to the treatment and understanding of the CSF circulation and its anomalies.[9] Nowadays, NPH is also called as "Hakim Syndrome" in honor of his accomplishments.[citation needed] Today, 9 to 14% of elderly living in any type of assisted facility suffered from NPH.[10] However, and despite the fact that this disorder was discovered in the late 1950s, and published in the mid 1960s, much more remains unknown, and NPH is sometimes misdiagnosed. However, thanks to Dr. Hakim, the curiosity of many researches in the world is awakened, which results in many publications about NPH.[citation needed]
Death
Hakim died surrounded by his family in a Foundation Santa Fe Hospital in Bogota due to a hemorrhagic stroke.[11]
References
- ^ "Biografia de Salomón Hakim". La Biografia.com. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
- PMID 15335425. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
- S2CID 34287029. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
- ^ Giraldo, Juan David (2010-10-12). "Hakim, Salomón". Biblioteca Virtual. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
- ^ Gunderman, Richard (January 21, 2019). "Who was Hakim?" (PDF). Journal of Radiology and Medical Imaging – via MedDocs.
- ^ "Integra LifeSciences completes purchase of J&J's Codman Neurosurgery". MassDevice. 2017-10-02. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
- PMID 10839253.
- ^ Alvarez, Laura M. (2008-04-18). "Salomon Hakim Dow". English. Retrieved 2010-11-12.
- ^ Sussman, Marvin. (2011-05-09). "Dr. Salomon Hakim – a Giant in the Field of Hydrocephalus". hydrocephalus Association. Archived from the original on 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
- ^ Marmarou A, Young HF, Aygok GA. Estimated incidence of normal pressure hydrocephalus and shunt outcome in patients residing in assisted-living and extended-care facilities. Neurosurg Focus. 2007;22(4):1–7
- ^ EFE. (2011-05-05). "Murió Salomón Hakim, inventor de la válvula contra la hidrocefalia". El Espectador. Retrieved 2011-08-31.