The first human to human heart transplant
Heart transplantation (HTx) is an incredible story of human endeavour and glory but not without its controversies. It’s an example of what can be achieved by humans when there is a desire and passion to achieve a goal. It’s a story of ingenuity, perseverance, courage and kindness. It is also a story which pushed our morals and created novel ethical dilemmas.
On 3rd December 1967 Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first human-to-human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The video provides an account of this historic achievement, featuring first-hand insights from Professor Barnard himself.
The Heart of Cape Town Museum, located within the hospital, offers a testament to this heritage, celebrating the historic event in the corridors where it occurred.
Video courtesy of Heart of Cape Town Museum, South Africa.
Our story
Harefield Hospital has 50 years of experience in heart transplantation.
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub carried out Harefield’s first heart transplant on the 8th September 1973.
Since then, we have performed more than 2,500 heart transplant operations, with one of the best long-term survival rates in the UK.
The unit has one of the UK’s largest ventricular assist device (LVAD) services, which provides many patients with severe heart failure the chance to live longer, better quality lives.
We are driven by values
The principal value of the Advanced Heart Failure Course is to share our knowledge.
We believe in sharing what we know so that what we teach can help patients everywhere.
Testimonial
Hannah P, Heart Failure Nurse
“I think the course was fantastic, covered everything from beginning of heart failure to where we are now with advanced therapies”