1950's article

First Organ Transplant(1950s)

In the 21st century, organ transplants are an everyday procedure to help save the lives of hundreds of thousands. Humans naturally have two kidneys, but can live with just one which means the other kidney could be donated. The first attempts in the early 1950s were made when the only other alternative for the patient was death. These early patients briefly raised hopes by starting a good recovery, but then succumbed. Many began to question the future of transplant surgery. Many advancements were made. Livers, hearts, kidneys and lungs are just a few of the organs shipped across the USA and delivered to patients in need. Before 1950 many people would suffer and die from organ failure. Technology was not advanced enough to successfully perform the simplest and the most common procedures although successful transplants of bones, skin, nerves, tendons and eye corneas had been accomplished.

   

      The first person to ever have a transplant done was a 49 year old girl by the name of Ruth Tucker. Ruth suffered from polycystic kidneys and was in dire need of a new one. On June 17, 1950 at Little Company of Mary Hospital, history was made when surgeons performed the first vital organ transplant on Ruth. People gathered around to watch as one of the most important steps in human medical/technical history unfolded. while filming, one pf the camera crew who was supposed to be recording fainted as he wasn't used to being exposed to such a gruesome environment.

Sources: http://www.donatelifeny.org/all-about-transplantation/organ-transplant-history/

http://lcmhealthnews.org/first-successful-organ-transplant-little-company-of-mary-1950/

http://www.kidney.org/transplantation/transaction/Milestones-Organ-Transplantation.cfm