MIAMI, Fla. — December 3, 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the world’s first human-to-human heart transplant, notes Mark Oristano, author of “Surgeons’ Story” (ISBN: 978-1935953784). South African physician Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the surgery which astonished the world in Capetown. The patient, 54-year old Louis Washkansky, lived with another person’s heart pumping his blood for 18 days.
Dr. Kristine Guleserian is a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. She says today the heart transplant is a common operation. In fact, as medical research improves, transplantation may become a thing of the past.
“We are seeing new techniques in human tissue engineering which may someday make it possible to repair parts of the heart which have been diseased,” Dr. Guleserian says. “One thing I’ve learned in my years in cardiothoracic surgery is to never say ‘never.'”
Dr. Guleserian also says there are mechanical advances which are helping patients with severe heart problems live longer before transplantation becomes necessary.
“Newer ventricular assist devices which help weak hearts pump more efficiently are enabling patients to survive longer as they wait for a donor heart to become available. The truth is that the supply has never kept up with the demand.”
Dr. Guleserian’s story is shared in the new book, “SURGEON’S STORY,” by Mark Oristano. Her life, education, and career are laid out in detail. The surgeon who has performed more than 160 heart transplants will continue to perform the surgery as needed, while awaiting the next big cardiac breakthrough.
(To book Dr. Guleserian for interviews around the date of the transplant anniversary, use the contact information for Mark Oristano, found below.)
About Author Mark Oristano:
Mark Oristano is an author/journalist in Dallas, Texas. He spent a 30-year broadcasting career calling NFL football games for the Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys. He is a longtime volunteer at Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, where he spent five years shadowing Dr. Kristine Guleserian for his new book, “Surgeon’s Story.”
SUMMARY – EDITIONS:
“Surgeon’s Story” Kindle edition: B06XRDKMFS.
“Surgeon’s Story” hardcover – ISBN: 978-1935953784.
“Surgeon’s Story” paperback – ISBN: 978-1935953777.
Authors: Mark Oristano with Kristine Guleserian, MD.
Publisher: Authority Publishing.
MEDIA CONTACT:
For review copies, or to schedule interviews with the authors, contact:
Mark Oristano
214-546-3794
mark@oristano.net
IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
*PHOTO 1: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1016s2p-Guleserian-300dpi.jpg
*Caption 1: Dr. Kristine Guleserian (L) sews a new heart in to a two-year girl, one of over 160 transplants she has performed in her distinguished career.
*PHOTO 2: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0824s2p-surgstory-300dpi.jpg
*Caption 2: Book jacket, “Surgeon’s Story” by Dr. Guleserian and Mark Oristano.
Related link: http://surgeonsstory.com/
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