Adrian Kantrowitz dies at 90; surgeon performed first U.S. heart transplant
Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 03:14
in Health & Medicine
Kantrowitz performed the first pediatric heart transplant, developed an intra-aorta balloon pump and cultivated assist devices that helped boost circulation. Dr. Adrian Kantrowitz, the pioneering cardiovascular surgeon who performed the first U.S. heart transplant, developed a balloon-pumping device that has saved hundreds of thousands of lives and developed mechanical heart-assist devices, died of heart failure Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich. He was 90.