Michael DeBakey The main 'heart doctor' of the planet, pioneer of coronary artery bypass surgery Date of Birth: 07.09.1908 Country: USA

1. Biography of Michael DeBakey
2. Contributions in Military Medicine
3. Literary and Academic Achievements
4. Honors and Recognitions

Biography of Michael DeBakey

Michael Ellis DeBakey, born on September 7, 1908, is recognized as the world's leading "heart surgeon" and a pioneer in aortocoronary bypass surgery. He invented and implemented numerous devices, methods, and procedures that have helped thousands of patients worldwide. Some of his notable inventions include Dacron arteries, artificial hearts, and cardiac pumps. In 1964, he performed the world's first successful aortocoronary bypass surgery, which involved bypassing a blocked vessel by sewing in a new one. This complex surgical intervention, conducted on an "open heart," restored blood supply to the heart muscle.

Contributions in Military Medicine

In addition to his groundbreaking work in cardiac surgery, DeBakey also developed the concept of a "mobile army surgical hospital" (MASH), which saved the lives of thousands of American soldiers during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served as an advisor to every U.S. president for the past 50 years and advised heads of state from many countries. DeBakey was involved in the creation of the National Library of Medicine, which is the largest medical library in the world.

Literary and Academic Achievements

DeBakey authored more than 1300 articles and books on medicine, surgery, medical education, and other fields. Some of his books became bestsellers. Throughout his career, DeBakey performed over 60,000 heart surgeries and trained thousands of surgeons. Among his patients were heads of state from around the world. In 1976, his students established the Michael DeBakey International Surgical Society in his honor.

Honors and Recognitions

The Board of Trustees of Baylor University in Houston, where DeBakey leads the Medical College, established the DeBakey Center for Biochemistry. He received numerous awards and honorary degrees throughout his career. In 1969, he was awarded the highest U.S. honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, Ronald Reagan presented him with the National Medal of Science. In 1996, DeBakey provided consultation to Russian doctors during the preparation for the heart surgery of Russian President Boris Yeltsin. In April 2000, he was honored with the title of foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. At the ceremonial event in Moscow, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yuri Osipov, personally presented him with the diploma of a full member of the Academy.