Louis Washkansky was the first person to survive a transplant of what organ?

Heart.

Louis Washkansky was the first person to survive a human heart transplant, a groundbreaking medical achievement that took place on December 3, 1967, in Cape Town, South Africa. The procedure was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard and his surgical team at Groote Schuur Hospital. This event marked a monumental moment in the history of medicine, representing the culmination of decades of research and advancements in transplantation science.

Washkansky, a 53-year-old grocer, was suffering from severe heart failure due to chronic coronary artery disease. His condition was terminal, and the heart transplant was seen as his only chance of survival. The donor heart came from Denise Darvall, a 25-year-old woman who had been declared brain-dead following a car accident. The surgery lasted approximately nine hours and involved a team of over 30 medical professionals.

Following the transplant, Washkansky initially showed signs of recovery and was able to interact with medical staff and even consume food. Unfortunately, his immune system was suppressed to prevent organ rejection, making him highly susceptible to infections. Eighteen days after the surgery, Washkansky succumbed to pneumonia, a complication that arose due to his weakened immune state.

Despite his short survival, Washkansky’s case was a significant milestone that demonstrated the feasibility of heart transplantation. It sparked global interest and inspired further research in immunosuppressive therapies, which have since greatly improved the success and survival rates of organ transplant recipients. His legacy continues to influence modern medicine and transplantation techniques.