Michael E. DeBakey. A surgery genius.

Abstract

Michael Ellis DeBakey, was born on September 7, 1908, in Lake Charles (Louisiana), to Lebanese immigrant parents, under the name Michel Dabaghi, he was the eldest of 5 siblings. From a young age he showed an inclination for science and study. After completing his high school education, he attended Tulane University, where he graduated with a degree in biological sciences. He then enrolled at Tulane Medical School, graduating in 1932. During his time in medical school, DeBakey developed a special interest in surgery, and it was around this time that while still a student he developed his "infusion pump." This was the precursor of the roller pumps that are used today in almost all extracorporeal circulation machines.

DeBakey remained active in surgery until the age of 90. At the age of 97 he self-diagnosed an aortic dissection, ironically a subject on which he was the world authority without a doubt, with the largest number papers. In this regard, he said: "I had never seen the need to call 911 or my family doctor ...", as he told The New York Times, recounting his experience as a patient. He was operated on with a technique that he himself had invented at the Methodist Hospital where he had developed his career and with the team he had formed.

De Bakey was one of the greatest exponents of cardiovascular surgery worldwide, for his research and contributions. He produced revolutionary surgical techniques, invented instruments to apply to those techniques, taught permanently, and cared for more than 60,000 patients by performing life-saving surgeries. Among its greatest contributions is the roller pump, which was the precursor of the current pumps that are used in all extracorporeal circulation machines. He developed the first surgical techniques for the approach to aortic pathology and was the first to manufacture a dacron graft with his hands to replace a portion of the aorta.

Dr. Michael DeBakey received awards, medals, and more than 50 honorary doctorates from medical, scientific, and academic institutions around the world. He served on editorial boards of many journals and publications. In Houston, the Medical Center, the School for Professionals and Professionals are named after him.He published more than 1,300 articles and chapters in books on medicine, medical education, ethics, and socioeconomic and philosophical aspects; and trained thousands of doctors and surgeons.

DeBakey died of natural causes at age 99 on July 11, 2008, at Houston Methodist Hospital, where he had practiced most of his professional career.