Ann Thorac Surg 1998;65:1519
© 1998 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Editorial
The 50th Anniversary of Mitral Valve Surgery
W. Gerald Rainer, MDa
a Historian, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, USA
Address reprint requests to Dr Rainer, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 2005 Franklin St, Suite 380, Denver, CO 80205-5476
Notwithstanding that several surgeons had previously approached the mitral valve with varying degrees of success during the period from 1923 to 1928, the successful mitral commissurotomy performed by Dr Charles P. Bailey on Claire Ward on the afternoon of June 10, 1948, at Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia represents a monumental landmark in the evolution of cardiac surgery. In this issue of The Annals, Dr Julio Dávila, who was closely associated with the people involved in the events of that fateful day, shares his personal account of the momentous occasion. In this sharing, he describes events in great detail, accurately portraying the emotions of the moment, not only of the surgical procedure itself, but the significance of the happenings leading up to the mitral commissurotomy that was to help change the face of cardiac surgery henceforth. Doctor Dávila has also captured the atmosphere and personalities of the moment: turbulent times, unprecedented daring in attempts at surgical procedures not fully understood, developed, or appreciated. The ability, fortitude, and foresight to continue trying new procedures in the face of horrific mortality rates show the strength and vision of pioneers such as Bailey, Harken, and a host of others. Reading Dr Dávila’s description of Bailey’s seminal contribution to cardiac surgery is like reading a finely turned novel: gripping, suspenseful, and captivating. The fact that Dr Bailey transported his patient by train from Philadelphia to Chicago on the tenth postoperative day to place her on exhibit at the Scientific Session of the American College of Chest Physicians vividly illustrates the unmitigated chutzpah and competitive environment that was rampant at the time (and this was before early discharge mandates by managed care).
June 10, 1998, represents the 50th anniversary of this landmark event. To this end, it would seem only appropriate that this issue of The Annals be dedicated to Dr Charles Philamore Bailey and his fellow pioneers in cardiac surgery in recognition of their vision, perserverence, and dedication.
