Who is Dr Victor Chang? Google Doodle honours pioneering surgeon

Dr. Victor Chang was a renowned Chinese-Australian cardiac surgeon who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of heart surgery. He is best known for developing the St. Vincent's heart valve, a low-cost artificial heart valve that made heart surgery accessible to patients in developing countries. Chang was also a pioneer in heart transplantation, performing Australia's first successful pediatric heart transplant in 1984. Early Life and Education Born in Shanghai, China, on November 21, 1936, Chang immigrated to Australia with his family in 1952. He studied medicine at the University of Sydney, graduating in 1961. After completing his residency at St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, Chang undertook further training in heart surgery at leading medical centers in the United States and Europe.

Pioneering Contributions to Heart Surgery In the 1970s, Chang returned to Australia and established himself as a leading figure in cardiac surgery. He was particularly concerned about the high cost of artificial heart valves, which limited access to heart surgery for many patients. To address this issue, Chang developed the St. Vincent's heart valve, a low-cost, durable valve that could be manufactured in developing countries. This innovation made heart surgery more affordable and accessible to patients around the world. Chang was also a pioneer in heart transplantation. In 1984, he performed Australia's first successful pediatric heart transplant on 14-year-old Fiona Coote. This was a groundbreaking achievement that paved the way for further advances in heart transplantation in Australia and around the world.