The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) recognizes renowned surgeon and transplant pioneer, Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, for his clinical practice, research and education efforts with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization's Annual Meeting, April 21-24 in San Francisco. Dr. Yacoub has devoted himself to the field of heart and lung transplantation for nearly 40 years.
In addition to receiving the award, Dr. Yacoub will present "Heart and Lung Transplant: The Future World Perspective" at 6:35 p.m. during the Satellite Symposium 8 (Imperial A) on Wednesday, April 21.
Most recently, Dr. Yacoub has been a visionary in the study of heart recovery using support devices. He has developed a new approach for patients with heart failure that could take some patients off transplant lists and put them back on the road to active lifestyles. Using a cocktail of drugs and implantable heart pumps, the enlarged and overworked heart has a chance to rest while drugs help repair the damaged organ. This approach has broadened the usage of heart assist devices beyond keeping patients alive until a transplant becomes available. With Dr. Yacoub's studies, the concept of "bridge to recovery" is taking hold.
The ISHLT's Lifetime Achievement Award has only been awarded twice previously in the Society's 24-year history. In Dr. Yacoub's case, the award recognizes a distinguished career of notable and varied contributions. Soon after becoming a doctor in his native Cairo, Egypt, he went on to practice in Great Britain where he specialized in treating children with congenital heart malformations. He developed the "switch" operation to help cure babies born with the life-threatening condition of the main heart vessels being connected backwards.
