About the book
John Heysham Gibbon, Jr., M.D., was the first researcher to develop a heart-lung machine that could fully support an adult's cardiac and respiratory functions during surgical procedures to repair defects in the heart and lungs. The difficulty of such a task can be seen in the number of people who attempted it for over a century: the list is long. Gibbon succeeded on May 6, 1953, when he repaired an atrial-septal defect with the patient supported entirely by the machine for 27 minutes.
Ada Romaine-Davis contends that few realize how long Gibbon worked to achieve this success. To rectify the situation, Romaine-Davis here provides a thorough study of Gibbon and his accomplishment. She shows how Gibbon overcame discouragement from his peers and mentors and obtained crucial support from IBM Board Chairman Thomas Watson. She examines each of the models produced by Gibbon and puts his achievement into historical perspective. Gibbon himself chose not to pursue cardiac surgery; he remained a thoracic surgeon. Others went on to develop the knowledge and skills that today make open-heart surgery as safe as other major surgical procedures. As Romaine-Davis amply demonstrates, these pioneers stand on the shoulders of a stubborn, persevering, single-minded genius whose determination to leave a legacy to his profession resulted in the one thing essential for sustained progress in heart surgery: John Gibbon's heart-lung machine.
This meticulously researched study will make fascinating reading for physicians—especially surgeons—as well as for students and scholars of medical history and science and technology.
Editions of John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780812230734
- PDF
- ISBN 9781512806359
Read an Excerpt
John Heysham Gibbon, Jr., M.D., was the first researcher to develop a heart-lung machine that could fully support an adult's cardiac and respiratory functions during surgical procedures to repair defects in the heart and lungs. The difficulty of such a task can be seen in the number of people who attempted it for over a century: the list is long. Gibbon succeeded on May 6, 1953, when he repaired an atrial-septal defect with the patient supported entirely by the machine for 27 minutes.
Ada Romaine-Davis contends that few realize how long Gibbon worked to achieve this success. To rectify the situation, Romaine-Davis here provides a thorough study of Gibbon and his accomplishment. She shows how Gibbon overcame discouragement from his peers and mentors and obtained crucial support from IBM Board Chairman Thomas Watson. She examines each of the models produced by Gibbon and puts his achievement into historical perspective. Gibbon himself chose not to pursue cardiac surgery; he remained a thoracic surgeon. Others went on to develop the knowledge and skills that today make open-heart surgery as safe as other major surgical procedures. As Romaine-Davis amply demonstrates, these pioneers stand on the shoulders of a stubborn, persevering, single-minded genius whose determination to leave a legacy to his profession resulted in the one thing essential for sustained progress in heart surgery: John Gibbon's heart-lung machine.
This meticulously researched study will make fascinating reading for physicians—especially surgeons—as well as for students and scholars of medical history and science and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine about?
John Heysham Gibbon, Jr., M.D., was the first researcher to develop a heart-lung machine that could fully support an adult's cardiac and respiratory functions during surgical procedures to repair defects in the heart and lungs. The difficulty of such a task can be seen in the number of people who attempted it for over a century: the list is long. Gibbon succeeded on May 6, 1953, when he repaired an atrial-septal defect with the patient supported entirely by the machine for 27 minutes.
Ada Romaine-Davis contends that few realize how long Gibbon worked to achieve this success. To rectify the situation, Romaine-Davis here provides a thorough study of Gibbon and his accomplishment. She shows how Gibbon overcame discouragement from his peers and mentors and obtained crucial support from IBM Board Chairman Thomas Watson. She examines each of the models produced by Gibbon and puts his achievement into historical perspective. Gibbon himself chose not to pursue cardiac surgery; he remained a thoracic surgeon. Others went on to develop the knowledge and skills that today make open-heart surgery as safe as other major surgical procedures. As Romaine-Davis amply demonstrates, these pioneers stand on the shoulders of a stubborn, persevering, single-minded genius whose determination to leave a legacy to his profession resulted in the one thing essential for sustained progress in heart surgery: John Gibbon's heart-lung machine.
This meticulously researched study will make fascinating reading for physicians—especially surgeons—as well as for students and scholars of medical history and science and technology.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: science, technology and medicine
Where can I read a sample of John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780812230734
How long is John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine and how many pages does it have?
John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine has 278 page(s)
Is John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Anniversary Collection
Who is/are the Author/s of the book John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine?
Ada Romaine-Davis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780812230734) and pdf(ISBN 9781512806359)
Where can I buy John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine from below
Where can I buy John Gibbon and His Heart-Lung Machine?