Learn about the history of transplant

Researchers experimented with organ transplantation on animals and humans in the 18th century. There were many failures over the years, but by the mid-20th century, scientists were performing successful organ transplants. Transplants of kidneys, livers, hearts, pancreata, intestine, lungs, and heart-lungs are now considered routine medical treatment.

Important medical breakthroughs such as tissue typing and immunosuppressant drugs allow for more organ transplants and a longer survival rate for recipients. The most notable development in this area was Jean Borel's discovery of an immunosuppressant drug in the mid-1970s. Cyclosporine was approved for commercial use in November 1983.

Unfortunately, the need for organ transplants continues to exceed the supply of organs. But as medical technology improves and more donors become available, the number of people who live longer and healthier lives continues to increase each year.

1st successful kidney transplant*

1954

First successful pancreas/kidney transplant

1966

First successful liver transplant*

1967

First isolated pancreas transplant

1968

First successful heart transplant

1968

First successful heart-lung transplant

1981

First successful single lung transplant*

1983

First successful double lung transplant*

1986

First successful living-related liver transplant

1989

First successful living-related lung transplant

1990

* Transplant was the first of its kind in the world.

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

History