Important dates of worldwide transplants

1905 - First human-to-human corneal transplant.

1965 - First heart transplant South Africa

1981 - First heart/lung transplant USA

1983 - Cyclosporine approved for commercial use in USA. A revolutionary anti-rejection drug, it heralded a new era for kidney, liver and heart transplantation USA

1986 - The ‘Brisbane Technique’ for splitting livers to benefit three recipients initiated Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD, Australia

1989 - First successful living liver transplant Princess Alexandria Hospital, Qld, Australia

1990 - First living related lung transplant USA

1992 - Xenotransplant (pig liver to human) USA

2005 - First living donor islet transplant Japan

2006 - World’s first kidney/liver/pancreas transplant Royal Price Alfred Hospital, NSW, Australia