Sky News Daily Natalie's story: The life-prolonging surgery that became a 'death sentence'
Sep 24, 2025
Ashish Joshi, Sky News health correspondent, dives into the harrowing story of Natalie Bralee-Brett, who underwent a seemingly hopeful surgery that led to a rare brain condition called ICAA. He discusses the troublesome history of cadaver grafts and the lack of informed consent from parents in the 1970s. The complexities of medical accountability are examined, highlighting Natalie's ongoing health struggles and the emotional toll on her family, including her brother, who faces similar challenges. The conversation raises critical questions about patient safety and systemic oversight.
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Childhood Surgery With Cadaver Graft
- Natalie was born with spina bifida and received a cadaveric duramater graft as a child in 1975 at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
- Her parents were told it would prolong and improve her life but were not informed the graft came from dead bodies.
Delayed Onset From Transplanted Tissue
- Amyloid proteins began building up in Natalie's brain decades after the graft, causing progressive neurodegeneration.
- Advances in MRI and clinical review of her 1975 notes revealed the cadaveric duramater as the likely source.
ICAA Is A Medically Introduced Brain Disease
- Iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (ICAA) is CAA introduced by medical intervention and is incurable.
- Cadaveric duramater grafts were later linked to brain diseases like CJD and were banned by the late 1980s and 1990s.