[Mz]

This minimally invasive approach also helps to avoid cultural barriers to treatment: manipulating a heart is considered an act of desecration on the human soul by some indigenous communities in Bolivia.

"By not operating with an open heart" says Dr Freudenthal, "We are also respecting the will of many patients who would not want their children to be operated otherwise."

The concept and entire article are both nifty.

[Asbostos]

It may have practical short term benefits but bending medicine to suit culture is not generally great. If somebody invented a way to prevent measles without a vaccine. It might be a good idea but not for the reason that it respects the will of parents who don't want their children vaccinated for "cultural" (i.e. superstitious) reasons.

[dragonwriter]

> It may have practical short term benefits but bending medicine to suit culture is not generally great.

Medicine treats people, and people have culture. Adapting medicine to address cultural concerns is potentially as beneficial as any other adaptation to the actual patient you are trying to treat, rather than some idealized patient that doesn't actually match the one that's in front of you.

[venomsnake]

Also true about bending rules to accommodate religion - after all it is a choice. But actually we do it all the time with disastrous effects.