The Man Who Mended Thousands of Hearts

As one of the world’s most celebrated heart surgeons, Prof Sir Magdi Yacoub has revolutionised cardiac care over many decades. From carrying out the UK and Europe’s first heart and lung double transplant, to reviving a failed heart through a piggy back transplant for a 12-year-old girl originally supported by a donor heart, Magdi’s skilled hands and innovative mind have saved literally tens of thousands of lives. Patients that have benefitted range from newborns to the world's longest surviving heart transplant patient.

And his innovative work continues. In recent years Magdi has collaborated with Imperial College London researchers exploring the impact of ‘living heart valves’ that grow naturally within the body before dissolving as the patient’s own tissue takes over. At the Great Exhibition Road Festival, join Professor Yacoub as he discusses his life’s work, compellingly described in his recent biography. In this engaging discussion with former Chair of the Science Museum Dame Mary Archer, Magdi will share personal insights and the human stories behind his career. Copies of his biography will be available for purchase at the event – don’t miss your chance to get one and even have it signed!

Visitor information

Talks and discussions are intended for an adult audience and are best suited for ages 16+.

This event is one of the Spotlight Talks, and there will be advance tickets released for this event closer to the Festival weekend. 

If you have an advance ticket, please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

To see the precise location of where this talk is taking place, you can use what3words.com with the code 'ship.rips.congratulations'. 

This event has step-free access.

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