|
     
 
|
| |
Successful Kidney Transplant
Brigham
& Womens Hospital 1954
 Dr.
Joseph Murray of the Harvard Medical School performed the first successful human
kidney transplant in 1954 at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (now Brigham and
Women's). At that time, the risk of immunorejection by implanted organs was incredibly
high, so attempts at organ transplantation were last resorts. By transplanting
the kidney of one twin to another, Dr. Murray sidestepped the problem of organ
rejection and saved a young man's life. Murray went on to develop immunosuppressive
treatments to combat the problem of organ rejection.
Today, organ transplants
have become almost a regular occurrence, and artificial organs are being developed
to replace human organs for patients in need. In 1990, Dr. Murray received the
Nobel Prize for his work in transplantation.
www.brighamandwomens.org
|
|
