Worldwide and argentinian lung transplant history

Abstract

Since ancient times, human culture has been seduced by organ transplantation. Vegetable grafting experiments in Botany were the first experiences with the scientific method. In the 19th century, the first skin grafts and ex-vivo perfusion method were described. In the beginning 20th century, Alexis Carrel and Vladimir Demikhov developed vascular and bronchial anastomoses techniques. In the mid-20th century, immunosuppressive drugs appeared and in 1970 cyclosporine was discovered. First human lung transplant was performed in 1963 by James Hardy. In 1967, Mahlez Molis (María Ferrer Institute) performed the first human lung transplant in Argentina with poor results. In 1978, Argentinian organ transplant legislation was established and INCUCAI was created. Acceptable results were achieved by 1980 through the use of cyclosporine. First living donor lobar transplant was reported in 1990. Cardiopulmonary, unilateral lung and bilateral lung first Argentinian successfully transplant were made between 1991 and 1993