Christiaan Barnard

Christiaan Neethling Barnard (8 November 1922 – 2 September 2001) was a prominent South African cardiac surgeon, best known for performing the world's first successful human-to-human heart transplant operation.

Early Life and Education

(Brief details about Barnard's early life and education here)

Career and Contributions

Barnard's most notable contribution to medical science came on 3 December 1967, when he performed the world's first human-to-human heart transplant operation. The donor was Denise Darvall, an accident victim, and the recipient was 54-year-old Louis Washkansky. Washkansky regained full consciousness post-operation and was able to communicate easily with his wife.

Controversies and Criticisms

Washkansky survived for eighteen days post-operation before succumbing to pneumonia. His immune system had been suppressed by the anti-rejection drugs administered to him post-surgery, a factor contributing to his death. Barnard had informed Mr and Mrs Washkansky that the operation had an 80% chance of success, a claim that has since been criticised as misleading.

Legacy and Influence

(Description of Barnard's legacy and influence in the field of cardiac surgery here)

See Also

• Heart transplantation
• History of surgery
• Medical ethics

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  Christiaan Barnard on a visit
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  Christiaan Barnard in 1968
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  Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital