WCTF.org Transplant News

BOSTON, April 9, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) recognizes world-renowned surgeon and pioneer, Richard Lower, M.D., for his contributions related to heart transplant surgery. A presentation will be given on his behalf by Marc R. Katz M.D., former cardiac surgery fellow of Dr. Lower's and current Director of the Bon Secours Heart & Vascular Institute on Friday, April 11 at 8:15 a.m at the organization's annual meeting in Boston.

"Dr. Lower has been a hidden gem in the field of cardiac transplantation. His humility and shy nature have kept many from recognizing his contributions. Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with him are thankful for his immense knowledge, insight and surgical skill. It has been a great honor to have been able to stand on the shoulders of this giant," said Dr. Marc R. Katz.

Dr. Lower has dedicated over 40 years to heart transplants and saving lives. The first of many contributions Dr. Lower made was in the 1950s. Lower researched a procedure called topical hypothermia which consisted of cooling a patient's heart, causing it to stop and preserving it; thus, enabling surgeons to perform delicate cardiac surgeries that otherwise wouldn't have been possible. Dr. Lower's research ultimately lead to his performing the first successful experimental heart transplant in a dog.

Dr. Lower's research and contributions to the heart transplant community paved the way to the first transplant of a heart in a human being in 1967.

In 2004, Dr. Lower's long time research and surgical partner, Dr. Norman Shumway called him "the greatest experimental surgeon since Alexis Carrel," and further stated, "He gave us unequivocal evidence that transplantation would work."

Dr. Lower went on to perform his first human heart transplant on May 25, 1968 and a second in August of the same year at the Medical College of Virginia. After years of dedication to surgical innovation that ultimately saves thousands of lives, Lower retired from medicine in 1989 then returned at age 70 to devote his skills to primary care of indigent patients.

During Friday's presentation, ISHLT will express appreciation and recognize a man who has offered pioneering advances to the heart transplant community. On behalf of Lower's lifetime achievements, Dr. Katz will accept this great tribute and make a special presentation regarding his great work and accomplishments.

About ISHLT

The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and treatment of end-stage heart and lung diseases. Created in 1981, the society now includes more than 2,300 members from more than 45 countries, representing a variety of disciplines involved in the management and treatment of end-stage heart and lung disease.

ISHLT maintains two vital databases. The International Heart and Lung Transplant Registry is a one-of-a-kind registry that has been collecting data since 1983 from 223 hospitals from 18 countries. The ISHLT Mechanical Circulatory Device (MCSD) database has been collecting data since 2002 with the aim of identifying patient populations who may benefit from MCSD implantation; generating predictive models for outcomes; and assessing the mechanical and biological reliability of current and future devices. In fall 2006, ISHLT released the first international guidelines for heart failure patient management. For more information, visit http://www.ishlt.org/.

Contact: Lauren Mason
(210) 857-2521
lmason@masonpr.com

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Source: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation

CONTACT: Lauren Mason, +1-210-857-2521, lmason@masonpr.com, for
International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation

Web site: http://www.ishlt.org/

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Profile: Transplant News