History of Cardiac Surgery Video

Description -- In March of 1955, a single operation on a small child at Mayo Clinic opened the door to a new world of medicine. As Dr. John Kirklin repaired a defect in the girl's heart, a new machine took over the work of her heart and lungs, keeping oxygen and blood flowing through her body. The operation was a success. Finally, it was possible to perform open-heart surgery safely.

Since then, Mayo Clinic has continuously pioneered innovations in cardiovascular surgery, from creating one of the first Intensive Care Units in the world, to developing new procedures, to exploring ways of making patients as comfortable as possible. Today, Mayo Clinic's professionals in cardiovascular surgery and their colleagues are leading the way in heart-lung transplants, genomic research and much more.

This program recognizes the 50th anniversary of this important medical milestone, an event that continues to touch the lives of families around the world.