Christiaan Barnard - The World's Heart Doctor
He experimented extensively with the heart-lung machine on dogs. He conducted research. He studied immunology for three months in the U.S. with David Hume and Thomas Starzl. He performed the first kidney transplant operation in South Africa. He rehearsed for the first heart transplant.
Events merged when Louis Washkansky, a 53-year old dentist, agreed to experimental surgery, and the father of Denise Darvall, who had received massive head injuries in a car accident, agreed to donate her organs. Barnard seized his opportunity and achieved international acclaim when, on December 3, 1967, he performed the first human heart transplant. He gave much credit to his experienced team of cardiologists, radiologists, anesthetists, technicians, nurses, immunologists, and pathologists. He would later recount the story:
After the successful transplant, I immediately called my head doctor in the middle of the night. He, of course, was not exactly thrilled that I woke him so early.I said, "I just transplanted a heart," and he replied, "So, and?"
"Not on an ape, but a human being."
"You are fired," he screamed in the telephone.
"But the patient is alive."
"Then we will hold a press conference!"
Barnard continued to perform surgery, conduct research and experiments with immunosuppressive agents, develop new techniques in transplantation, and design artificial heart valves.
Barnard's handsome appearance and natural charm enhanced the appeal of his fame. He was reported to have had affairs with many women, including the actress Gina Lolobrigida. His first marriage, to Aletta Lowu, ended in divorce in 1969. His second marriage, to Barbara Zoeliner, also ended in divorce in 1982. He divorced his third wife, Karin Setzkorn, who was fifty years his junior, in 2000.
Barnard enjoyed a lavish life. He knew celebrities, statesmen, and royalty. He had a favorite tie he received as a gift from the Princess Diana of England.
Barnard fathered five children: Deidre, Andre, Frederick, Christiaan, Jr., and Armin. His son Andre died of a drug overdose in 1984.
Barnard was a proponent of medically assisted euthanasia. He was against abortion. Barnard was also against apartheid.
In 1983, Barnard retired from performing surgery due to either rheumatoid arthritis or a personal decision. He worked for a short time as a research advisor with the Clinique la Praire in Switzerland. He worked for two years as Scientist-in-Residence at the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He went on the lecture circuit. He wrote several books, both medical and fiction. He bought land and created a game preserve near his
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