The first human transplant was a corneal transplantation. It was pioneered by Dr Eduard Zirm in Austria on 7th December 1905. It still continues to be one of the most successful organ/tissue transplantations.
Dr Eduard Zirm (1863-1944)
Facts about the first transplant
Donor: Karl Brauer, 11 years old
involved in bicycle accident
metal pieces in his eye
could not save his eyes
Dr Zirm enucleated the damaged eyes
corneal tissue removed for transplantation into recipient eyes
Recipient: Alois Gloger, 43 years old
a labourer
blinded in an accident while working with lime
back working within three months of transplant
one transplant failed
he retained sight in other eye for the rest of his life
