Meet the healthy Bristol boy who had a 1 per cent chance of survival

Isaac Walker-Cox's parents were told he could die shortly after birth, and even if he survived he might not be able to walk.

But, thanks to a pioneering treatment developed in Bristol, he now lives the life of a happy, healthy nine year-old.

Isaac was born 13 weeks early, weighing just 2lbs at Southmead Hospital, and two days after his birth suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage.

His parents Rebekah and Steve, of Yate, took the courageous decision to try a revolutionary new technique at Southmead, where toxic fluids are washed away from the brain.

The treatment is the first of its kind in the world and has been shown to reduce the chances of youngsters suffering cerebral palsy and serious learning difficulties.

It was developed by professor of neonatal medicine at Bristol University, Andrew Whitelaw and paediatric neurosurgeon Ian Pople at Southmead Hospital.

Mrs Walker-Cox, 36, said: "We were told after the haemorrhage that Isaac may not make it through the night, and had a one per cent survival rate.

"When Professor Whitelaw told us about the research trial we felt we had nothing to lose. We were told there were risks but Isaac was so fragile anyway that we did not know what would happen without the procedure."

The couple were informed of the worst possible effect the brain damage could have on their son's development.

Mrs Walker-Cox said: "Once they put the tubes in, we were in there the whole time with him, even in the middle of the night if we wanted.

"We watched the fluid go through the pump. They said to watch the colour and as more blood washed out and we saw it get lighter."

The procedure took about four days and after 11 and a half weeks Isaac was able to leave hospital for the first time.

Mrs Walker-Cox, who now has two other sons, Owen, six and Ethan, three, added: "By the time we left hospital, they seemed to be very happy that the treatment was a complete success but they had to monitor him for a couple of years or so.

"In that time Isaac went on to develop reasonably normally."

Isaac is now nine and apart from a little weakness in his left side, lives a full life

His mum said: "He still gets on with pretty much most things.

"He is so determined and has a go at anything.

"They didn't know what he would be like but he attends mainstream school and is above average for reading and is absolutely brilliant with the computer.

"We did not feel much hope at the beginning, and did not know what to feel but we hope if anyone does find themselves in a similar position they can see it can be positive.

"Isaac has done so well and it does make him feel proud and we feel proud if him."

Premature babies born 12 weeks or more before their due date are particularly vulnerable to bleeding in the brain because they have fragile blood vessels that will usually shrink by the end of a full-term pregnancy.

When the haemorrhages are large they can cause swelling in the brain, known as hydrocephalus.

Prior to the brain-washing treatment, needles would be inserted into the spine or head to remove the fluid and then permanent drains, known as shunts, would be put in to remove the fluid from the brain.

The Bristol duo behind the treatment are now looking at developing it from research to an NHS service.

Prof Whitelaw said: "We know how severe the disabilities are in these babies. We have recognised the condition since 1981 when we were first able to see babies with ultrasound. This is the first trial to lead to any treatment and shows itself to give better results than standard treatment.

"I feel very pleased that we have at last been able to show a benefit the fact that cognitive function is improved is very important, although we may not be able to prevent some of them.

"I think this matters to the children we are trying to help."

Babies that require the procedure are identified through ultrasound scans. If there is sign of a large haemorrhage they are anaesthetised and tubes are inserted into the brain. Artificial brain fluid is then pumped through one of the tubes while the other is used to drain the toxic fluid.

Babies remain under sedation throughout the procedure.