F. John Lewis

American surgeon and medical researcher

Floyd John Lewis (1916–1993) was a pioneering American cardiac surgeon and medical researcher known for his groundbreaking work in the development of open-heart surgery. He is best remembered for performing the first successful open-heart surgery using hypothermia in 1952.

Early life and education

Floyd John Lewis was born in 1916 in Cleveland, Ohio. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College, where he developed an interest in the biological sciences. Lewis then attended Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1943. During his time at Harvard, he was influenced by leading figures in the field of surgery and developed a keen interest in cardiovascular research.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Lewis served in the United States Army Medical Corps during World War II. Following his military service, he joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota, where he worked alongside Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, another prominent figure in cardiac surgery.

Development of hypothermia in cardiac surgery

Floyd John Lewis

Lewis's most significant contribution to medicine was his development of the use of hypothermia in cardiac surgery. In the early 1950s, he hypothesized that cooling the body could reduce metabolic demands and protect the heart and brain during surgery. On September 2, 1952, Lewis performed the first successful open-heart surgery using hypothermia on a five-year-old girl with an atrial septal defect. This groundbreaking procedure marked a significant advancement in cardiac surgery, paving the way for more complex heart surgeries.

Later career and research

Following his success with hypothermia, Lewis continued to innovate in the field of cardiac surgery. He conducted research on cardiopulmonary bypass techniques and collaborated with other surgeons to refine surgical methods. Lewis's work laid the foundation for modern cardiac surgery and influenced generations of surgeons.

Legacy

Floyd John Lewis's contributions to cardiac surgery have had a lasting impact on the field. His pioneering use of hypothermia demonstrated the potential for innovative approaches to complex medical challenges. Lewis's work is celebrated for its role in advancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes.

Related pages

• Cardiac surgery
• Hypothermia
• C. Walton Lillehei
• Atrial septal defect