National Center of Excellence for Vein Disorders
Vein Treatment News from the Vein Treatment Center
John Gibbon - Pioneering Heart SurgeonBy: Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD December 13, 2008 |
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May 6, 2008 marked the 55th anniversary of the first successful use of a heart-lung machine to support a patient during heart surgery. On May 6, 1953, John H. Gibbon Jr, MD, used a mechanical device to oxygenate the blood of an 18-year-old girl while he closed a congenital defect of her heart. This device, the heart-lung machine, supported all of her vital organs while her heart and lung were "bypassed" to create a bloodless surgical field to enable this complex operation. Dr Gibbon was discouraged after five failed surgical procedures. He abandoned clinical cardiac surgery and others furthered the field of cardiac surgery. Of note, crucial support for his research and development of the heart-lung machine came from the IBM corporation and its then chairman, Thomas Watson. Today, more than three quarters of a million people undergo heart surgery in the world. This has only been possible because of the pioneering work of Dr. Gibbon in the design of the heart-lung machine. Dr. Gibbon is one of "10 Notable Jefforson Medical College Alumni" -
John Gibbon and his wife with the heart lung machine (above)
Dr. Gibbon operating with the heart lung machine (above)
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For more information about varicose veins, spider veins, venous reflux and treatment options such as the closure procedure or guided sclero, contact Dr. Karamanoukian at the Vein Treatment Center, a National Center of Excellence for Vein Disorders by email or by phone at (716) 839-3638. |
