Organ Transplantation Timeline

  • 1961

    In this year the first immunosuppression drug is released, being Azathioprine in order to prevent the immune system from rejecting and attacking the organ.
  • 1962

    The first successful kidney transplant from a deceased organ donor occured this year.
  • Period: to

    1962-1966

    A discovery is made to get the best odds for successfully transplanting organs from deceased donors.
  • 1966

    In this year, the first pancreas transplant occurs along with another kidney transplant the same year.
  • 1967

    The first liver transplant is performed this year, and in the same year, a heart transplant is also successfully performed.
  • 1971

    This year the first lung transplant is performed.
  • 1981

    The first ever combined heart and bilateral lung transplant is performed this year.
  • 1983

    The Food and Drug Administration approves a new drug making organ rejection much more unlikely, increasing odds of surviving transplantation.
  • 1986

    The FDA approves a new anti-body to prevent rejection again.
  • 1988

    Split liver transplants become possible, allowing for one liver donor to have their liver split and given to 2 children in need of a liver.
  • 1995

    Doctors use laparoscopic surgery in order to remove a kidney, allows for easier recovery.
  • 1999

    The first hand transplant is performed.
  • 2010

    A full face surgery is performed for the first time this year.
  • 2016

    An organ is transplanted from an HIV-positive patient to another HIV-positive patient.
  • 2020

    A COVID-19 patient is given a double lung transplant for the first time.