title: [History of Lithuanian heart surgery].
abstract: The aim of the article is to review Lithuanian cardiac surgery development, as well as authors and timing of the first operations performed. Historical review involves two periods: initial (1900-1964) and contemporal (1964-2002). Benevolent rivalry between Vilnius and Kaunas heart surgeons is given to show their contribution into Lithuanian surgery. Chronological development and amelioration of the main heart surgery fields are described: heart injuries, ischemic heart disease, congenital and acquired defects, heart rhythm disturbances, heart transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Cardiac Surgery, Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital, Eiveniu 2, 3007 Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors.forename: Arimantas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dumcius
mesh_terms: D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000266:history*; D032761:Animal Experimentation; D000818:Animals; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000266:history*; D002309:Cardiology / Q000266:history*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000266:history; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000601:surgery; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D008097:Lithuania; D013552:Swine; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000266:history*