In this episode, we'll take a look at a congenital heart defect and the multiple operations that were developed to try to treat it. Along the way, we'll meet some giants of cardiovascular surgery and learn a bit more about them!

In this episode, we will learn about the famous cardiac surgeon Dr. Alfred Blalock, and his famous work on blue babies suffering from Tetralogy of Fallot. But maybe of even greater interest is the story of his lab assistant, Vivien Thomas, a man without formal medical training but who collaborated with Blalock, helping him to develop his surgical breakthroughs. He received little credit at the time, but is now held in high esteem at Johns Hopkins.

In the second part of this 2 part series, we'll cover the surgical history of three 20th century presidents. We'll also consider how their operations impacted history, and of course, take a few detours down some side roads of history!

In the next 2 episodes, we will take a look at some of the amazing stories involving presidents being operated upon, and the circumstances and outcomes of these. In the first instalment, we'll visit some of the earlier presidents, starting with the first, George Washington!

In this episode, we take on the controversial and strange subject of cephalosomatic anastomosis, better known as a head transplant. Although never done before in humans, there is both a surgeon and a patient willing to try this in the near future! We'll take a look at the surprising history of research in this area, as well as examine the research required to make this a reality. Be warned, this episode covers some weird science!

In this episode, we learn the history of the Nobel prize, and meet the nine surgeons that have won the prestigious award, as well as describe their work. As well, we'll learn some interesting facts and stories behind the legends.

In this episode, we learn about the surgeon behind the common surgical procedure, the Graham patch. As well, we will here the story behind the discovery of the bacteria behind peptic ulcers, and meet a few other Nobel prize winners, as a prelude to Episode 28!

In this episode, we take a look at a commonly used medical device, the Foley catheter, by exploring the long and fascinating history of its development, as well as learn more about the surgeon that it was named for, Dr. Frederic Foley.

In honour of the 25th episode of Legends of Surgery, this podcast covers a bonus topic: looking at two of the patron saints of surgeons, Saints Cosmas and Damian. We cover their origin story and the miracle that is attributed to them and brought them to fame, at least in the medical world. Enjoy!

In this episode we will learn about the Canadian surgeon, Dr. Lucille Teasdale. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the Ugandan people were nothing short of heroic, but her story is not well known. It is a fascinating tale of dedication and bravery, and one worth telling.

In this episode, we will look back at how robots first entered the operating room, review the current state of surgical robots and consider possible future directions. As well, we'll find out about some of the pioneers of robotic surgery and learn about how some government agents contributed to their development!

In part two of the series, we will pick up where we left off, at the dawn of the age of laparoscopy. This episode will introduce some of the innovators that pushed forward the technology and we'll learn about some of the obstacles that they had to overcome. Finally, we will get to the present day, and set up for the third part in the series on the future of laparoscopy!

This is the first of a three part series exploring the history of laparoscopy, starting with the very earliest attempts to peer inside the human body, and leading up to the current day, with an eye to the future. This podcast will look at the evolution of endoscopy, including some of the pioneers that pushed the technology forward, and will end with the first laparoscopies performed on living patients. 

In honour of Canada Day, this episode takes on a Canadian national hero, Dr. Norman Bethune. But there is more to the story, as this mercurial and controversial surgeon became famous not only for his operating ability, but his politics and involvement in some of the most significant wars of the 20th century.

Today's episode covers the Nobel prize winning surgeon Dr. Alexis Carrel, considered by many to be one of the fathers of vascular surgery and transplantation. His innovations greatly influenced these fields, but his ideology and associations during world war II cast a shadow over his legacy. His life story is a fascinating one, so have a listen!

This episode describes the works of Rene Le Fort, creator of the Le Fort classification of mid face fractures and describes the strange methods he used for his experiments. The descriptions are pretty graphic, so be warned! We also cover his uncle Leon and his contributions to surgery, along with some other interesting trivia.

This episode covers the life and works of the thoracic surgeon, Dr. Henry Heimlich, who not only created the famous maneuver that bears his name, but a number of other creations as well. He is a character not without controversy, but endlessly fascinating!

In this episode, we explore Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's inspiration for his legendary character, Sherlock Holmes, the famous Scottish surgeon Dr. Joseph Bell. We will learn about his life and character traits that were the foundation of that literary figure, as well as learn a little about Conan Doyle himself!

In honour of Nurse's Week, this episode covers the life of Florence Nightingale, with a particular focus on her impact on the British Army during the Crimean War. Come learn about the Lady with the Lamp!

In this episode, we explore the long history of the Caesarean section, find out why it really is not named after Julius Caesar, and meet some of the physicians who helped to perfect this common operation, including Dr. Hermann Pfannensteil, all in honour of Mother's Day!

In this episode, we'll learn about Dr. Henri Hartmann, thefamous French Surgeon from the late 19th century and early 20thcentury that devised a well known operation. We will also cover hislife and some other interesting facts about his work. 

In this episode, we will trace the origins of the anesthetic drug chloroform, as well as discuss two famous physicians and two famous patients associated with it!

In this episode, we will detail the lives and discoveries of the three Krukenberg brothers, with a focus on the Krukenberg tumour and the Krakenberg procedure, and their impacts on medicine and surgery.

In this episode, we'll explore the history behind one of the most common surgical procedures done on major league baseball players, describing the first patient and his surgeon that created the operation.

In this brief bonus episode, we explore the reasons why OR attire switched from white to green (or blue)!