The First Successful Human Kidney Transplant: Identical Twins, 1954
Landmark Transplant: Ronald and Richard Herrick
On December 23, 1954, at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (Boston), Dr. Joseph Murray transplanted a kidney from Ronald Herrick to his identical twin Richard Herrick, who had end-stage renal disease.
Why It Worked
- Identical twins share 100% HLA antigens → no immune rejection without immunosuppression.
- Demonstrated surgical feasibility of vascular anastomosis and ureteral implantation.
- Richard lived 8 years; Ronald lived to 79.
Historical Impact
- Murray received Nobel Prize (1990).
- Paved way for immunosuppression development (azathioprine, corticosteroids) enabling non-identical transplants.
- First deceased-donor kidney transplant: 1962 (Murray).
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