Open Thread

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: as we all mourn the death of Tony Snow, we should also say a prayer for the father of modern cardiovascular surgery:

Surgeon Michael DeBakey, whose ground-breaking heart transplants and coronary bypass operations made him one of the giants of 20th century medicine, has died at age 99...In a career that spanned more than seven decades, DeBakey developed a number of new surgical procedures that now are standard in treating heart ailments and led many to consider him the father of modern cardiovascular surgery. His best known innovation was the now-common coronary bypass operation for clogged arteries, which he first performed in 1964, using leg veins to bypass blocked or damaged areas between the aorta and coronary arteries.

Do yourself a favor and read the whole article. This was an EXTRAORDINARY man whose work has saved the lives of literally millions of people. Rest in Peace, Doctor, and thank you.