DECEMBER 3

On this date in 1967, the first human to human heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa.  He used a method developed by two American surgeons.  His patient died 18 days later from pneumonia. 

Just 3 days after Barnard's attempt, American Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz performed a heart transplant on a new born infant.  The child lived only 7 hours. 

The first adult heart transplant in the U.S. was performed by Dr. Norman Shumway at Stanford University Hospital the following month.  In all, about 100 heart transplants were performed worldwide in 1968.  Two thirds of those died within 3 months. 

I remember these times vividly.  During this period these operations were at the top of news - right next to the War in Vietnam from which I had just returned. 

Fifty one years ago today!
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