Never-before Published Photos: 30 Years Ago Michael Drummond Became the 1st Heart Failure Patient to be Successfully Bridged to a Donor Heart Transplant
In 1985, Michael Drummond needed a heart transplant to save his life, but no donor heart was available. On Sept. 8, 1985, the Total Artificial Heart became the first long-term device to successfully bridge a dying patient to a donor heart transplant.
Sep 4, 2015 5:00 PM ET
30 Years Ago Michael Drummond Became the 1st Heart Failure Patient to be Succes…
A successful bridge to a donor heart transplant (BTT) 30 years ago revolutionized the treatment of end-stage biventricular (both sides) heart failure when Michael Drummond received a Total Artificial Heart implant—a direct predecessor of the modern SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t).
The initial five implants of the Total Artificial Heart were for permanent use. This was the first time a Total Artificial Heart, or any long-term mechanical assist device, was used to successfully bridge a patient to a donor heart transplant.
›› See never-before published photos during and after Michael Drummond’s historic heart transplant.
