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firsts
Changing the way
cardiac surgery is practised
With a history of “firsts” and a spirit of innovation among its staff, patients and benefactors,
the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre has produced a legacy of breakthroughs in cardiovascular
medicine. Its pioneering research is influencing cardiac surgery across the world today
by Mary Gooderham
It was a discovery that would change the way surgery is done and transform the future
of cardiac medicine. In 1935, a team of researchers at Toronto General Hospital (TGH) led
by Charles Best, known for his involvement in the discovery of insulin, and Gordon Murray, a
prominent surgeon, developed a purified supply of heparin, a powerful blood anti-coagulant
that they used for the first time in patients. ¶ Heparin has remained essential in medicine,
preventing blood clots from forming in procedures from open heart surgery to organ transplants,
and preventing blood clots from enlarging in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
And the hospital which now houses the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), has continued its
record of pioneering research, with a spirit of innovation among its staff, patients and benefactors
producing a legacy of breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine.
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