Heart Health: The History and the Future of Cardiovascular Care is a forthcoming exhibition at the International Museum of Surgical Science. The exhibitions serves as a survey, from ancient practice to today, of the human heart and related systems in medicine. This exhibition aims to educate the visitor with a worldview perspective by exploring the innovations and developments throughout our understanding of the cardiovascular system. This ground-breaking exhibition will enlighten, educate and inspire visitors with a historical perspective detailing ancient surgical techniques in tandem with current technology that has revolutionized medicine and surgical care. Included in the exhibition is the notable Rene Laennec original 1816 invention of the stethoscope, as well as a rare 1934 Alexis Carrel and Charles Lindbergh perfusion pump. The Museum’s wide-range of visitors, from elementary students to adults, will follow along with the history of our medical understanding of the human heart through artifacts and visually rich text panels. Visitors will visualize the progression in the understanding of the cardiovascular system from ancient history to today’s technological discoveries.
The Museum is asking for audience support in realizing this exhibit. The Museum’s Executive Director has given support of his late son, who passed away last year due to cardiovascular complications. If you have a loved one who has passed away from similar circumstances, we invite you to contribute to this exhibit in their memory. More information on how we would like to honor your loved one in the exhibit can be found here.
Play a leading role today in ensuring the cardiovascular care is granted a wider audience tomorrow!
Image: Etched Stone Sculpture, 20,000 BC – According to archaeological studies, this stone dates back to 20,000 B.C. On this stone, which is one of many etched stones found in tombs in Ica, Peru, a heart with the corresponding arteries is etched. On other stones there are recorded operating techniques, such as a Caesarian Section, which is shown in a series of stones depicting the various stages of the operation. Customs, beliefs, and the knowledge of an entire civilization are recorded on these stones.
