Christiaan

Christiaan Neethling Barnard (8 November 1922 – 2 September 2001) was a South African cardiac surgeon who performed the world's first successful human-to-human heart transplant on 3 December 1967. The operation took place at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.

Early Life and Education

Barnard was born in Beaufort West, a small town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. He studied medicine at the University of Cape Town and later completed his postgraduate training in the United States, where he worked at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Dr. Owen Wangensteen.

Medical Career

Upon returning to South Africa, Barnard joined the staff at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the head of the Department of Experimental Surgery. Barnard's interest in heart surgery led him to experiment with heart transplantation in dogs, which laid the groundwork for his pioneering work in humans.

First Heart Transplant

On 3 December 1967, Barnard led a team of 30 surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses in performing the first successful human heart transplant. The recipient was Louis Washkansky, a 53-year-old grocer suffering from severe coronary artery disease. The donor was Denise Darvall, a young woman who had been fatally injured in a car accident. Although Washkansky died 18 days later from pneumonia, the operation was considered a success and marked a significant milestone in medical history.

Later Work and Legacy

Barnard continued to perform heart transplants and became an international celebrity. He was known for his charisma and his ability to communicate complex medical procedures to the public. Barnard's work paved the way for future advancements in transplant surgery and immunosuppressive therapy.

Personal Life

Barnard was married three times and had six children. He was also an author, writing several books about his experiences in medicine and his views on life.

Death

Christiaan Barnard died on 2 September 2001 in Paphos, Cyprus, from a severe asthma attack.

See Also

• Heart transplantation
• Groote Schuur Hospital
• University of Cape Town

External Links

• Heart Foundation of South Africa
• University of Cape Town