Going strong 20 years later
Twenty years
have passed since MUSC became a heart transplant center. Since its
first heart transplant on June 30, 1987, 376 people have received new
hearts at MUSC. 
Members of the MUSC
Heart Transplant team include front row from left Drs. Arthur Crumbley,
Adrian Van Bakel, Walt Uber, and Dawn Rehak-Jones. Back row from left
are Kathy Law, Paula Coe, Amanda Washburn, Barb Baille, Andrea Govan,
Pam Bearden, Julie Klopp, and Hwajoo Haynes.
The
heart transplant patient survival rate at MUSC has been among the
best of 700 heart centers nationwide. The success rate, reflected in
the 92 percent survival rate after one year of transplantation, is due
largely to a highly acclaimed team of transplant surgeons,
cardiologists and perfusionists, and the use of advanced technologies.
These technologies include ventricular assist devices that enable
patients to gain strength and survive while waiting for a transplant.
The oldest survivor had a transplant in 1988. 
Dr. Geoff Forbus,
pediatric cardiology, and Amanda Washburn, heart transplant coordinator.MUSC officially celebrated its 20th anniversary as a heart transplant center on July 12.
For information on the heart transplant program, visit http://www.musc.edu/hearttransplant/.
Recipients Olin
Gallman and Holly Patterson share in the heart center's 20 year
anniversary.
On June 27,
1997, John Bryant received a new heart and kidney. On July 13 he had
his 10-year check-up. “Doctors did good, but the nurses saved me,”
Bryant said. He was also MUSC's first recipient of the left ventricular
assist device. Bryant is with wife, Margaret.
Dr.
Arthur Crumbley receives a plaque in appreciation for “20 years of
continuous and dedicated service to the Medical University of South
Carolina Heart Transplant Program.” It was presented to him by Dr.
Adrian Van Bakel and the Heart Transplant Team July 12.
Recipient Bob Ward,
second from left, joins his mother, Maryanne Ward, and father, Robert
Ward, in thanking Dr. Adrian Van Bakel for making his transplant
possible. Friday, July 27, 2007
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