New ideas and their acceptance. As it has related to preservation of chordae tendinea and certain other discoveries.
The significant benefits of preserving chordal-papillary muscle integrity in mitral valve replacement took some two decades to become widely accepted. Familiarity with history clearly tells us that this paradox between our dedication to "new ideas" on the one hand, and opposition to their acceptance on the other has existed for hundreds of years. Most "new ideas" have been surrounded by controversy and opposition before wide acceptance. Selected examples from history are cited beginning with Roger Bacon in the 13th century, and continuing with Galileo, Semmelweiss, Lister, and Forssmann. The author cites two notable examples from his personal experiences. They occurred during the development of open heart surgery, and another during the development of the rigid bileaflet cardiac prosthesis, now known as the St. Jude cardiac prosthesis. Some of the basic reasons for this inevitable opposition are: an innate skepticism over anything "new." Simplicity is often resented, as well as any need to change patterns of behavior/habits. Determination, persistence, stubbornness are the most important components for successful research. In addition, the successful innovator must learn to expect opposition and not be deterred by it, but rather must learn to take sustenance from it, and "learn to thrive upon opposition." In conclusion, these observations and suggestions are summarized in a satire on "The Seven Ages in the Evolution of an Idea--with particular reference to the critic."
Lillehei
C W
CW
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA.
D002815:Chordae Tendineae; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans