Birth · 8 November 1922
Birth of Christiaan Barnard
Born in Beaufort West, Christiaan Barnard became associated with a major milestone in cardiac surgery. His career began with medical studies and work as a general practitioner.[1]
Credit and rights
Ron Kroon / Anefo / Nationaal Archief — CC0 1.0. · CC0 · redimensionnement proportionnel / proportional resize, WebP
Original source · LicenceKey dates and milestones
- 8 November 1922
Born in Beaufort West, South Africa.[1]
- 1946
He graduated from the University of Cape Town Medical School.[2]
- 1958
After training in Minnesota, he returned to Cape Town and developed cardiac surgery at Groote Schuur.[1]
- 3 December 1967
His team performed a human heart transplant in Louis Washkansky using Denise Darvall’s heart.[3]
Contributions to medicine
- The operation demonstrated the feasibility of human heart transplantation. It involved surgeons, anaesthetists, cardiologists, nurses and technical staff.[3]
- Washkansky died of pneumonia eighteen days later. The outcome illustrates the infectious and immunological difficulties of early transplantation.[2]
Documented anecdotes
Donation at the heart of the story
The University of Cape Town highlights Denise Darvall’s father: following the accident, he authorised the donation of her organs.[3]
Documentary sources
- Christiaan Neethling Barnard
South African History Online
- Christiaan Barnard (1922–2001): First heart transplant surgeon. DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019127
Singapore Medical Journal
- World’s First Human Heart Transplant
University of Cape Town, Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery