Poland’s successful heart surgeons and a Hungarian innovation in the battle against cardio-vascular disease; the female prostate – an surprise discovery by Slovak doctors, and Austria seeks a cure for AIDS.

Poland's heart surgeons are among the best in the world. Just a decade ago waiting lists of patients in need of heart surgery were far longer than in most European countries, but now that reputation has been turned round. There are Polish doctors who specialize in certain rare operations, Polish medical universities are teaching students from around the world, and patients from different countries are also opting for Polish hospitals.

Cardio-vascular disease is the leading cause of death in Hungary and much of the rest of the world. Problems are often detected too late because many people do not suffer obvious symptoms. Even suspect cases can be difficult to confirm. But that may soon be history thanks to a new device invented by Hungarian doctor Miklos Illyes.

A new born baby at Vienna's general hospital. The parents are relieved - it's apparently healthy. And its chances of a long life are good as it's been born into a wealthy society where even feared diseases like Aids can be treated. But if it was born in almost any country in sub-Saharan Africa its prospects would be far less hopeful. In fact there's a good chance it would contract the HIV virus which causes aids from its mother.

Slovenia has gone a long way in the field of liver surgery, especially in liver resection - the removal of part of the organ by surgery. Only half a century ago, doctors almost always lost the battle with cancerous lesions and tumours of the liver. But now, as we report from Maribor, there is fresh hope for liver patients:

In recent years Slovakia has not offered many major achievements in the field of medical innovation. Many doctors say that a lack of money is the core of the problem. But Radio Slovakia International's Katarina Richterova did find one Slovak who has made an important discovery that could have important implications for women.

Over the past decade, the personal computer has become an essential instrument in our everyday lives. Add an internet connection to your computer and you don't even need to leave your home. But what about those with a physical disability who can't use a PC? Scientists around the world have been straining their little grey cells to find a simple way of helping them - but it was a small team in Prague who came up with a very clever little system.