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

by G. Wayne Miller

Few of the great stories of medicine are as palpably dramatic as the invention of open-heart surgery, yet, until now, no journalist has ever brought all of the thrilling specifics of this triumph to life.

This is the story of the surgeon many call the father of open-heart surgery, Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, who, along with colleagues at University Hospital in Minneapolis and a small band of pioneers elsewhere, accomplished what many experts considered to be an impossible He opened the heart, repaired fatal defects, and made the miraculous routine.

Acclaimed author G. Wayne Miller draws on archival research and exclusive interviews with Lillehei and legendary pioneers such as Michael DeBakey and Christiaan Barnard, taking readers into the lives of these doctors and their patients as they progress toward their landmark achievement. In the tradition of works by Richard Rhodes and Tracy Kidder, King of Hearts tells the story of an important and gripping piece of forgotten science history.

Genres: Medicine, Medical, Nonfiction, Science, History, Health Care, Biography

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

http://www.gwaynemiller.com/bio.htm

Reviews

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a biography of Dr Walt Lillihei, this is a medical story and history of cardiac medicine. Many people were key contributors.

Technical inventions:

Page 103 Heart Catheterization: Nobel Prize winner, Werner Forssmann, 1920s Berlin (Berlin Babylon era) did a heart Catheterization on himself. Climbed upstairs to radiology department took an X-ray to check whether or not the catheter was in the heart, almost passed out. Fellow doctors thought he had committed suicide.

Page 127 Anesthesia: Before anesthesiology was a named medical speciality, before ventilators, before pulse oximeters, and timely blood-gas analysis, after ether soaked rags were abandoned, other explosive gases were used (cyclopropane). One estimate in 1954, 130 explosions in American operating rooms, 30 were fatal. The worst accidents took out a doctor or nurse, as well as patients.

Heart Lung perfusion: Pages 130-131: Cross circulation with beer hose between parent and baby, was forerunner of machines. Page 170-171 Dewall/Lillihei bubble oxygenator, $15 Heart Lung perfusion machines.

Pacemaker: Page 196-197. In 1957 Earl Bakken, worked with Dr Lillihei to invent portable pacemaker. Eventually became Medtronic.

Data collection: Page 116-117. Dr Jesse Edwards pathologist at Mayo Clinic, had saved every heart from every autopsy since early in the century. Dr Edwards believed his collection of hearts belonged to science. Dr Lillihei and team, found 50 hearts with VSD (ventral septal defects). Page 118. The doctors had examined 50 hearts and found NO TWO WERE EXACTLY THE SAME. (Caps mine)

In the spring of 2020, like the rest of the world, I found out about Covid-19. Like many others I started making masks. Three design iterations and material scarcity work arounds (fabric, elastic, ties, nose pieces) we discovered ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.

I am the beneficiary of this work and sacrifice having a VSD repaired in 1963.

[Haytham · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you make a very interesting book out of a surgeons biography, interesting for a surgeon and for a non-medical as well. This imminent surgeon's right for appreciation has been wasted for long. I enjoyed the read and was stunned by what that surgeon accomplished and his contributions for the heart surgery, yet never heard of him before.

[Anne Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, legit cried, gasped and made every noise you can imagine. This true life story of the invention of open heart surgery had so much tragedy and loss of life (including littles which made me cry!), but made massive enhancements that have saved so many more. The author is very graphic with the details, and I honestly thought I might faint at some points. The main doctor detailed here was a co-founder of the global company I work for, so it was fascinating to see the life of the man behind his invention.

[Muneeb Hameed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our biology is nothing short of a miracle and I'm fascinated by medical books because they give me a sliver of a glimpse of that miraculousness. This book is about the development of heart surgery told through the story of Walt Lillehei (who they call the father of heart surgery). It blew me away. It starts at a point when surgeons believed we would never in existence be able to operate inside the heart. They said it was just too complex. Too elusive. Lillehei's boldness and genius proved them all wrong. He was always experimenting and continuously progressing. Something worked until it didn't, then he discovered a better way. Induced hypothermia, aorta/venae cava restriction, cross circulation (having a live donor's heart used to pump blood through the patient). Then eventually Lillehei invented a simple heart lung machine which cost $15 which basically took over the patient's heart's job while the heart was operated on. This book isn't for everyone but if you're a nerd for medical books, I'd definitely recommend it. I don't know if it classifies as a memoir or biography or medical drama but it feels like all of them combined.

[Misty Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for medical geeks! Not too technical and did a great job of following the fascinating development of open heart surgery. Here’s my favorite quote: “You don’t enter the wilderness expecting to find a paved road.” True for so many things in life!

[Danny Felion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic underdog story about a truly fascinating time of discovery. All it took was a milk pump and some beer hose. How very Minnesotan. Bummer about all those dogs..

[Jen Bergeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible because it’s nonfiction but written like a novel. I also didn’t know about cross circulation and all the other crazy experiments they used to achieve open heart surgery. We are very lucky we have the advances we do today!

[Janice Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read for school but lowkey so good. Kept me captivated at every chapter

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book so much - so many elements. A Norwegian Minnesotan, pioneering open heart surgery at the University of Minnesota in the years my parents were born. Working in cardiac research myself a full 60+ years later really puts everything in perspective. Truly a phenomenal biography of a great surgeon and of advancements in medicine in the last 70 years.

[Shayla Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information. A bore to read.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, often called Walt, was born in Minnesota. He followed in his father's footsteps, as he was also a doctor. He was an extremely well educated man, earning four degrees at the University of Minnesota. He began perfecting his surgical career at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. He tried out a new technique whereby a patient was hooked up to a donor patient to keep the heart pumping and oxygenated while undergoing surgery. He performed such a surgery on a child with a ventricular defect, which I found extremely interesting for a personal reason I will mention at the end of this review. He and his colleagues also did the first heart catheterization puncture. He also used the world's first external pacemaker. He was also a gifted teacher, instructing many students in cardiac surgery, and did try to keep up with all new information to hone his skills. He won several awards for his work in the cardiac surgery field. He died in 1999 at the age of 80.

I happened across this book and read it a while back. I have no idea why in the world I got so behind in my reviews and marking my things as read? Either way, here we are. I picked it up because I was interested in the history of open heart surgery. My mom is nurse, so I have always loved gross and morbid things, but the real interest was because my little cousin was born with a heart defect and has had several heart surgeries. I enjoyed learning about this man who pioneered so many procedures and to see how far this medical specialty has evolved today. This was a really interesting read. I hated that it didn't have pictures of the doctor, so I Googled him. When I did, I found out that he also had a brother who was a doctor. His brother was a transplant surgeon, and transplanted the first pancreas that was successful. If it said that in the book, I missed it, but it was neat to see how this family had so many medically keen minds. If you are interested in heart surgery for any reason, I would say give this a try.

[Z. Daraktchieva · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Some of the most extraordinary stories in history are not about distant worlds or fictional heroes, but about real people whose courage and determination changed the lives of millions. Featured at the **Boston Book Festival**, *King of Hearts* by G. Wayne Miller brings one such remarkable story to the forefront, exploring the medical pioneers who helped turn open-heart surgery from a seemingly impossible ambition into a life-saving achievement.

At the center of this compelling narrative is Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, a groundbreaking surgeon whose bold vision challenged the boundaries of medical science. Miller takes readers behind the scenes of this historic advancement, revealing the dedication, uncertainty, and determination that accompanied the journey toward transforming cardiac care.

What makes this book particularly fascinating is its focus on the human side of scientific progress. Through extensive archival research and interviews with celebrated medical figures, Miller captures the spirit of an era when innovation demanded both extraordinary skill and the courage to challenge accepted beliefs. The story reminds readers that behind every major breakthrough are individuals willing to take risks, learn from challenges, and pursue possibilities that others may overlook.

Beyond its historical importance, King of Hearts offers a powerful reflection on perseverance, visionary thinking, and the lasting influence of medical discovery. It is an engaging choice for readers who appreciate inspiring biographies, scientific achievements, and true stories that demonstrate how human ingenuity can reshape the world.

**A fascinating and meaningful exploration of medical history, King of Hearts honors the visionaries whose determination helped redefine heart surgery and bring renewed hope to generations of patients.

[Tadhg Rowan · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Some stories remind us just how far human courage, curiosity, and determination can take us. Featured at the Boston Book Festival, King of Hearts by G. Wayne Miller brings readers into the extraordinary world of medical pioneers who dared to attempt what many believed could never be done.

At the heart of this remarkable account is Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, a visionary surgeon whose groundbreaking work helped transform open-heart surgery and changed the future of cardiac medicine. Miller skillfully explores the challenges, uncertainties, and bold decisions behind this medical revolution, revealing the remarkable human effort that turned a once-unthinkable possibility into a life saving reality.

What makes this book especially captivating is its ability to connect scientific achievement with the people and determination behind it. Through archival research and interviews with influential figures in medicine, Miller gives readers a deeper appreciation of the risks these pioneers faced and the lasting impact of their discoveries. The result is more than a story about surgery; it is a powerful account of what can happen when knowledge meets courage and conventional limits are challenged.

King of Hearts is particularly appealing to readers who enjoy true stories of extraordinary individuals, groundbreaking discoveries, and moments that change the course of history. It offers a meaningful reminder that behind every great medical advancement are people willing to ask difficult questions, embrace uncertainty, and pursue a better future for others.

Thought provoking, inspiring, and rich in historical significance, King of Hearts celebrates the pioneers who dared to change medicine and, in doing so, helped give countless people a new chance at life.

[Coventry Festival. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered King of Hearts while exploring the bookshop at the Latitude Book Festival, and it immediately caught my attention. I'm always excited to discover books through literary festivals, and this one proved to be an excellent find.

King of Hearts is a compelling novel that combines rich storytelling, memorable characters, and emotional depth. From the very first pages, the author draws readers into a world filled with intrigue, heartfelt moments, and characters whose journeys feel authentic and engaging.

What stood out most was the author's ability to balance an engaging plot with meaningful character development. The relationships are thoughtfully written, the dialogue feels natural, and the pacing keeps the story moving while allowing important emotional moments to resonate. The writing is polished and immersive, making it easy to become invested in every chapter.

Beyond its entertaining storyline, the novel explores themes of resilience, hope, love, and the complexities of human nature. These themes give the story lasting impact and make it more than just an enjoyable read, they make it memorable.

King of Hearts is a book I would happily recommend to readers looking for a well crafted, emotionally engaging novel. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you've finished the final page.
Congratulations to the author on such a wonderful achievement. Discovering King of Hearts at the Latitude Book Festival was a pleasure, and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

[Ciara Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across King of Hearts by G. Wayne Miller at the Boston Book Festival, and the book immediately caught my attention because of its fascinating look into the history of medicine and the remarkable people who helped change it forever.

What makes this book so compelling is the story of Dr. C. Walton Lillehei and his pioneering work in open-heart surgery. Through detailed research, historical accounts, and interviews with influential medical figures, Miller brings to life the courage, determination, and groundbreaking discoveries that helped transform cardiac surgery from what many considered impossible into a life-saving reality.

I particularly appreciate how the book highlights the human side of medical progress, reminding readers that behind every major breakthrough are individuals willing to challenge conventional thinking and take extraordinary risks for the benefit of others. Miller makes an important chapter in medical history accessible, engaging, and meaningful even to readers without a medical background.

Discovering this book at the Boston Book Festival was a wonderful opportunity to explore a work that celebrates innovation, perseverance, and the power of human ingenuity. I would recommend King of Hearts to readers interested in medical history, inspiring true stories, scientific discoveries, and the remarkable people whose contributions have shaped modern medicine.

A fascinating and thought-provoking read that reminds us how courage and determination can change the course of history.

[Cormac Ellis · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Highlighted at the Boston Book Festival, King of Hearts offers a captivating look at the remarkable people and discoveries that helped revolutionize modern medicine. G. Wayne Miller tells the story of Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, a visionary surgeon whose pioneering work challenged medical conventions and opened new possibilities for treating life-threatening heart defects.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this book is the way it explores the courage and determination required to pursue an idea that many considered impossible. Miller goes beyond the technical achievements to explore the people, challenges, and risks behind this extraordinary chapter in medical history. His use of archival material and interviews with prominent medical pioneers adds depth and historical value to the narrative.

What makes this story especially meaningful is its reminder that progress often begins with individuals willing to question accepted limits and pursue solutions others cannot yet imagine. The development of open-heart surgery was not simply a scientific milestone; it was a breakthrough that offered hope and a second chance at life to countless patients.

King of Hearts is an excellent choice for readers who appreciate true stories of innovation, perseverance, and the human spirit. It brings an important part of medical history into focus while celebrating the visionaries whose work continues to influence healthcare today.

A thoughtful and inspiring account of how bold ideas, relentless dedication, and scientific courage can transform medicine and change lives.

[Orlaith Faye · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Featured at the Boston Book Festival, King of Hearts stands out as a fascinating account of one of the most extraordinary achievements in medical history. G. Wayne Miller brings the story of Dr. C. Walton Lillehei and the pioneering surgeons who helped transform open-heart surgery from a seemingly impossible idea into a life-saving reality.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its combination of scientific discovery, human courage, and historical significance. Through archival research and interviews with influential figures in medicine, Miller offers readers a closer look at the determination, risks, and groundbreaking thinking behind a medical revolution that changed countless lives.

Beyond its medical subject matter, the book highlights the perseverance required to challenge established beliefs and push the boundaries of what is possible. It also gives recognition to the people whose dedication and willingness to take extraordinary risks helped shape modern cardiac surgery.

For readers interested in medical history, biography, scientific innovation, and inspiring true stories, King of Hearts offers a valuable and engaging reading experience. It is a compelling reminder that behind many life-changing discoveries are courageous individuals whose contributions deserve to be remembered.

A remarkable work of medical history that celebrates innovation, determination, and the pioneers who helped change the future of heart surgery.

[Ann Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Walt Lillehei, who has been called the father of open-heart surgery and other heart health innovations at the University of MN . There was a lot of history about the large number of innovative techniques and concepts for the heart developed at the UofM, as well as work on at Mayo, and by other contributors. It also mentioned Earl Bakken and his work on the pacemaker. It made me proud of MN for trailblazing these achievements and made me more grateful for everyone impacted as the results and solutions evolved. My mother has benefitted from a lot of what has been accomplished in this field. She wouldn't have the opportunities to recover without the ingenuity and persistence of those pioneers and those who supported and trusted them.

I am always sorry to read about the failures in personal lives of people who have accomplished so much professionally and for the world.

It amazed me to read about all the work they did with experiments on dogs, due to the similarities in dog and human hearts. I by no means would ever advocate for animal cruelty. But this book made me ponder whether the advancements they made would have been accomplished in similar timeframes without the use of dog experiments. And how many more lives would have been negatively impacted and lost without those opportunities. And timing is everything. A highly publicized successful surgery happened just prior to a vote on whether to outlaw dogs being used in laboratory research. Votes went in favor of allowing animal testing on an issue that was close prior to the successful surgery. The newspaper description of how testing the new procedure on dogs first was critical to the success of the surgery.

[Mrunal Awalekar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often I find myself fascinated by the history of surgery, especially after finishing a nicely done surgery, and wonder how many years of improvisations and experimentations lend themselves to my confidence in the moves I make. I always promise myself I would read about how things came to this. Somehow when I make such plans, I expect to that i want to read about great people doing extraordinary things and how all things fall just right for them, how they wake up with the right ideas. It's not, though. There is usually one insane person who is not deterred by administrative hurdles (more difficult to navigate in reality than you'd like) or failures (which often means an uncomfortable number of deaths at your hand) or loss of the ever eluding "surgical reputation". Every surgery has contributions of not only great surgeons, but great patients and their great caretakers who had the mad courage to consent to trials. History of medicine is mad; and history of surgery, especially paediatric cardiac surgery is just plain outrageous. Thanks to these guys, esp Dr Lilleihei, such surgeries are safe and people born with defective hearts can live a normal life. It was truly inspiring and is a must read for any surgeon who wants to develop the critical thinking for hopefully making your own world-changing improvisations one day.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok how often do we pause and reflect on what all had to happen for us to have most surgeries with relative ease (functionality wise)? Probably not often, heck, me neither. This (TRUE) story of Dr. Lillehei who first pioneered open heart surgery in the 1950s sucked me right in.

Think about it, there were no CT scans or MRIs in 1953, none of the tools that have since made diagnosis of heart disease computer precise. Nada. All a doctor had back then was a stethoscope, X Ray, electrocardiogram and cardiac catherization. A conclusive analysis really only came out when the heart of the patient lay open on the table. (eek!!!)

Lillehei pioneered the unknown and it's an incredible story of his ingenuity (WARNING: vivisection (particularly of dogs) is a biiiiig thing going on here so you may not enjoy this very much).

Experiments began with the dog lung, self lung, arterial reservoir, cross circulation. That's where we started.

Dr. Lillehei and DeWall created the first version of a contraption to get rid of air in the bloodstream during surgery. How? a beer hose, some metal stands, a cork, a plastic tube, a reservoir, needles and two filters. That's it.

I am so impressed with the ingenuity of how this new space (cardiology) became the start of something incredible in the field of cardiology.

Such a good and fascinating read.

[Micheal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed King of Hearts. There’s something particularly engaging about the way the story draws you in and keeps you invested in the characters and their experiences. The book left me with plenty to think about after finishing it, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to discover it.

I actually came across the book and came to collect my copy at the Latitude Book Festival, which made getting the book even more memorable. It was a pleasure to discover the author’s work through the festival and finally have the opportunity to read it.

A thoughtful and enjoyable read that I’m happy to recommend to other readers.

[Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of Hearts was such a memorable read. I really appreciated the way the author brings the story and its characters to life, making it easy to become absorbed in the world of the book. It’s the kind of story that stays with you even after you’ve reached the final page.

I was fortunate enough to discover the book at the Latitude Book Festival, where I came to collect my copy. It was a lovely experience to find the book through the festival and then have the chance to sit down and enjoy it for myself.

Definitely a book I’m glad I picked up, and one I would happily recommend to fellow readers.

[Micheal Anderson · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

A Fascinating Story of Courage and Medical Breakthroughs

King of Hearts is a fascinating look at the courage, determination, and groundbreaking work that helped transform heart surgery. I was especially interested in learning about Dr. C. Walton Lillehei and the challenges he and his colleagues faced while pursuing something many people once considered impossible. The book brings an important chapter of medical history to life and highlights the risks, persistence, and human effort behind major scientific discoveries. It is an engaging read for anyone interested in medicine, history, and the remarkable people who push the boundaries of what is possible.

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended to me by one of the surgeons I work with, this book is an eye-opening and heart-breaking look at the development of open heart surgery and surgical techniques. Well-written and very well researched, this non-fiction account gives both medical professionals and laypeople alike an understandable and griping tale of loss and heart break (literally) but also the victorious and life saving discoveries made that still extend life and improved heart health for millions across the globe.

[Taylor Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

i shed a tear or two okay?? it’s fine! truly remarkable and incredible stuff. i’m just so in awe of all those guys who fucking tinker tankered away in a lab and now we can do transplants and artificial hearts and all the crazy shit seen on the daily. not too long ago not even a thought not even an idea. i love it. lillehei and co you will always be famous <3

[Shripad Puranik · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you make a very interesting book out of a surgeons biography, interesting for a surgeon and for a non-medical as well. This imminent surgeon's right for appreciation has been wasted for long. I enjoyed the read and was stunned by what that surgeon accomplished and his contributions for the heart surgery, yet never heard of him before.

[Engle Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly eye opening. Such a remarkable and emotional tale of the blood, sweat, and tears it took to create huge advancements in cardiac surgery.
The bypass machine took decades to perfect and saves countless lives every single day.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in medicine or engineering.

[Katelyn Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a recent nursing school grad and will be working in a cardiac ICU. This book was so interesting for me and I loved every minute spent reading it. I’m not usually one to enjoy biographies/nonfiction but I couldn’t put this one down. I would highly recommend!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of an amazing field. Its amazing what could be done back then. Every chapter was like....and another child patient died, but not as quick this time. The days before irb....

Writing was a little basic/amateur but just learning the history was great

[Grayce Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in preparation for my program in cardiovascular perfusion. It was a great introduction to the history and development of open heart surgery. I didn’t expect this one to be a page-turner, but it was!