The Kidney Transplant
Dr. Gordon Murray was also interested in the problem of transplanting kidneys and other organs. He performed his first human kidney transplant in May 2, 1952, on a 26-year-old woman suffering from 15 years of chronic kidney failure. While he waited for a suitable donor kidney, Murray carefully selected his operating team at TGH, who were ready for the call at 2a.m. when the donated organ finally arrived.
Using Heparin to irrigate the donated kidney, Murray proceeded with removing the diseased organ from the woman and then carefully sutured the new one in its place. After "willing the new organ to begin functioning," Murray watched the blood circulate through it and, within a few minutes, urine start to flow. Murray could not have been more pleased with the successful operation. "The woman with three kidneys" lived another 35 years.
Using Heparin to irrigate the donated kidney, Murray proceeded with removing the diseased organ from the woman and then carefully sutured the new one in its place. After "willing the new organ to begin functioning," Murray watched the blood circulate through it and, within a few minutes, urine start to flow. Murray could not have been more pleased with the successful operation. "The woman with three kidneys" lived another 35 years.