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Today in History: First Successful Human Heart Transplant Performed in Cape Town

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 3, 1967, South African cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. He transplanted the heart of accident victim Denise Darvall into 54-year-old Louis Washkansky, who briefly regained consciousness before dying 18 days later from pneumonia related to anti-rejection medication.

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Story summary

On December 3, 1967, South African cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. He transplanted the heart of accident victim Denise Darvall into 54-year-old Louis Washkansky, who briefly regained consciousness before dying 18 days later from pneumonia related to anti-rejection medication.