In the late nineteen thirties while Dr. Clarence Dennis was an

and Dr. Maurice Vischer suggested that he undertake the development of an apparatus to perform the function of the heart and lungs. So began years of intense investigation by Dr. Clarence Dennis and his colleagues to develop a machine that would sustain life while the surgeon worked to repair a dam-aged heart. The search was marked by hope, failure, doubt, enlightenment, exhaustion and eventually, success. His work in the development of the heart-lung machine and cardiac research has eased pain and suffering and extended the lives of tens of thousands of men, women and children. To this day, it pays dividends of life. Along the way, Dr. Dennis also trained hundreds of surgeons. The first known clinical operation involving open cardiotomy with temporary takeover of the functions of both the heart and lungs by mechanical devices occurred at the University o