The first successful heart transplant was performed in 1967 by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa. The groundbreaking surgery took place on December 3, where a human heart was transplanted from a deceased donor to a living patient, Louis Washkansky, who had severe heart disease. This achievement marked a significant milestone in medical science, showcasing the possibilities of organ transplantation and raising ethical questions regarding donor sourcing and post-operative care. Although Washkansky survived for 18 days post-surgery, this operation laid the groundwork for further advancements in cardiac surgery and transplant protocols, transforming heart surgery into a viable treatment option.