1908-

American cardiologist who pioneered the fields of heart transplantation and telemedicine. An internationally renowned surgeon, teacher, and medical statesman, DeBakey is recognized for a number of medical accomplishments. He was the first to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass and to implant a partial artificial heart in a human patient. He also helped NASA develop a miniaturized artificial heart. DeBakey revolutionized medical training and treatment by developing a satellite-based system that electronically linked remote sites of the world to the Texas Medical Center in Houston.