Finally the war was won and eight years later Stalin died. It was then, in 1953, that Kolesov could finally turn his creative mind to scientific discovery. Kolesov learned about the coronary artery experiments Vladimir Demikhov was performing on dogs. Over the next eight years, he made careful modifications and intricate refinements to surgical procedures on coronary arteries. Finally, he believed the procedure could be used on humans. On February 25, 1964, Kolesov performed the very first successful coronary artery bypass. This would change the progression of heart disease for many people.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a critical procedure for people who have dangerous hardening and narrowing of their coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are the vessels that bring the oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If left untreated, coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack. The surgery creates new routes around the narrowed and blocked arteries, allowing better blood flow to the heart, delivering much needed oxygen and nutrients.

For the next three years, this life saving procedure was only performed behind Russia's Iron Curtain, at The First Leningrad Medical Institute. It was reported in a Russian Medical Journal in 1965, but was not translated into English until 1967. That same year, on May 9, 1967 the first successful operation in America was performed at the Cleveland Clinic by René Favaloro. At the time, there were some conflicting reports about who was responsible for this groundbreaking medical discovery, but it was determined the American team of surgeons were aware of the previous Russian work, because Donald Effler, of the Cleveland Clinic, had written a comment on Kolesov's original article. Over 2.4 million lives around the world have been saved by this method since.

Kolesov continued to work and write about the treatment of coronary artery disease well into his 80s. In fact, his final paper was published when he was in his late 80s, just a year before his death on August 2, 1992.

Introduction by April Ingram

Table of Contents

Key Insight

Key Experiments or Research

Quotes by the Scientist

Quotes About the Scientist

Anecdotes

Fun Trivia About the Science

Personal Information

Scientific Discovery Timeline

Recommended Books About the Science

Books by the Scientist

Books About the Scientist

Awards

Major Academic Papers Written by the Scientist

Curriculum Vitae

Sources/References