King of Hearts: The True Story of the Maverick Who Pioneered Open Heart Surgery

Having been involved in hospital practice for over 50 years, the development of cardiac surgery case by case over the years was well written and specific. A good read.

A history of heart surgery might sound dry and uninteresting but I guarantee it’s not. The book presents the history of open heart surgery, the heart-lung machine and the pioneering and occasional failed attempts to extend what would otherwise be short, young lives.

Dr Walt Lillehei was a fraternity brother of mine at Phi Chi fraternity, University of Minnesota, whom I recall with pleasure. Being two years ahead of me, we met mainly at the occasional Fraternity functions. But certainly he and his wife Kaye were well-liked.I recall a year or two later, meeting his wife Kaye with several girl friends in a downtown restaurant; and learning then that they were having a dinner to celebrate Walt's survival of extensive surgery for a throat cancer. I also felt somewhat close to Walt because his younger brother Richard was in my class. We became fairly close friends,from both being in a Medical ROTC encampment by the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas one summer. Dr Richard Lillehei ranked number 1 in our class, He also became a surgeon at the U of Minnesota; and there did the first successful liver transplant..

Well written and it will definitely hold your attention. I never imagined what a complex task these pioneer heart surgeons faced in the perfection of open heart surgery. Dr. C. Walton Lillehei and a group of brave and inventive surgeons basically accomplished the impossible. So many lives have been saved thanks to their work. This is the true story of their dedication and the problems they faced. It is an incredible read for anyone interested in the science of heart surgery.

Mr. Miller's style of suspense keeps us reading to see what happens next. He vividly portrays the progress of open heart surgery, step by painful and bloody step. The reader suffers with the parents and doctors with each failed operation on each child, but watching as each technical problem is solved makes everything ok in the end.The reader learns about various congenital heart diseases of children, the symptoms, the physical descriptions, and the outcomes. Mr. Miller explains the procedures very well so no prior knowledge of surgery, medicine, or heart physiology is required.My favorite part is the race with the Mayo Clinic to perfect the heart-lung machine. The Mayo Clinic not only loses, but loses almost comically. Another favorite part is how the pace-maker was invented. This story along with the heart-lung machine story make this book worth reading.If you are interested in medicine, surgery, heart problems, medical history, medical technology, or just want to learn, then you will appreciate "King of Hearts."

Two years ago on 2/11/11 we had a little grandson born with congenital heart disease. (DORV, ASD, VSD, PDA, Transposition of Great Arteries, etc). He had his first open heart surgery when he was 7 days old on 2/18/11. The second surgery was done on 6/15/11 at 4 months old. Happily, he came through both surgeries successfully with a good repair of the problems and a bright future.This book was of particular interest to me as it tells the story of how the heart bypass machines used currently were developed. My little grandson is alive because of the efforts of courageous heart surgeons like Dr. Lillehei (sp) who is featured in this book. I'll be forever grateful!

Loved the authors style which held my attention all the way thru. Tellsthe whole story of open heart surgery right up to transplants by telling the story of maverick surgeon Walt Lillehei, called the father ofopen heart surgery. Eye opener for those who have an opinion about animal testing as well as those with heart defects who may be indebted to it.Chtris Mills

As a native Minnesotan I grew up knowing a bit about the Minnesota surgical program. I attended med school there 1972-1976, and did my surgical residency at the local trauma center, Hennepin county medical center. The stories recounted ring true; I heard some of them from my chief, Dr. Claude Hitchcock, mentioned in the book, and a mentor, the most facile surgeon I have ever known, Dr. Hovald Helseth, a favorite of Dr. Varco in his cardiac fellowship. I had the privilege of meeting Walt at the wedding of my cousin and his nephew. What a gracious individual.

A fascinating read which documents the trials and tribulations of this giant of a surgeon at the dawn of modern cardiac surgery. An inspiring insightful story - a must read for all aspiring cardiac surgeons. Well written novel that remains a captivating objective and descriptive narrative despite considerable factual detail.

Great, fascinating writing. What an endeavor

The Story of the first surgeon to attempt and succeed open heart surgery.Written with great passion and accuracy that even non-doctors can understand the thrill of success after a long list of failure Dr. C. Walton Lillehei,the never give-up sureon became a legend in his life time. Trained hundreds of other surgeons from all over the world.

A beautifully written story about a major advance in human health. It has all the drama and humanity that it's characters lived. The story is told with humour and at a pace that keeps you engaged without losing you.

Great story of the great cardiac surgeon. A thriller.