Respected Colombian doctor Salomon Hakim, who worked extensively in the field of brain surgery, has died at the age of 81, reported local media.
Dr. Hakim passed away in a Bogota hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning, apparently due to a blood clot in the head.
After inventing the “Hakim valve”, a valve developed over 50 years ago to extract left over brain fluid, which is called hydrocephalus, the doctor achieved worldwide recognition.
He is also recognized in the medical world for identifying a condition called “Hakim syndrome,” a form of senile dementia, which could be cured using the valve he created.
Dr. Hakim spent many years researching the mechanics of intercranial cavity, as well as working as a lecturer at several universities.
Born in Barranquilla in 1929 to a family of Lebanese immigrants, he studied medicine at the National University in Bogota where he received his doctorate. He later studied neurosurgery at Harvard before returning to work in Colombia.
For his research work he has received numerous awards and honors.