Temple University Hospital is known for being the site of the first heart transplant in Philadelphia in 1984, and decades later is continuing to make history, write Stephanie Stahl and Nate Sylves for CBS News Philadelphia.
Over the past four-plus decades, the hospital has performed nearly 1,400 heart transplants, including some dual transplants like heart-lung and heart-kidney transplants.
“We’re proud to continue that legacy in the world of heart transplants,” said Dr. Eman Hamad, director of Temple’s transplant program.
Earl Jones, 60, is one of the many who can vouch for the life-saving work that has been done by Temple doctors.
Born with a congenital heart detect, Jones was in congestive heart failure and needed a heart transplant by the age of 30.
His heart transplant came in March 2002 at Temple Hospital.
Since the first-ever transplant was administered, the operation has been drastically improved.
Upon receiving his successful operation, Jones was told that the average life expectancy post-heart transplant was eight years. It has now been 24 years since his operation.
“Nobody’s living a better life than I’m living,” he said.
Now, about 3,700 heart transplants happen annually nationwide and survival rates have improved.
Much of that is thanks to the pioneering work that was done at Temple Hospital.
Read more about how Temple University Hospital has became a beacon of hope at CBS News Philadelphia.
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