In the early 1800s, during the end of the pre-anesthetic era, surgery was defined by speed rather than precision, rendering deliberate intervention on the heart unthinkable. Even after the introduction of anesthesia and the rise of experimental physiology in the mid-19th century, operating on the heart remained elusive and was considered impossible by many surgeons. 
 
In 1896, Cappelen described an attempt to suture a penetrating cardiac injury, demonstrating that the beating heart could be sewn, although the patient ultimately died from postoperative complications (1, 2). One year later, in 1897, Rehn reported a 22-year-old patient with a penetrating right ventricular wound who underwent thoracotomy and cardiac suturing. After a complicated but managed recovery, which included pleural drainage and support, the patient successfully recovered (3). 

Related Resources 

1. History of Cardiovascular Surgery [3] 

References

1. Ricketts, Benjamin Merrill. The Surgery of the Heart and Lungs: A History and Résumé of Surgical Conditions Found Therein, and Experimental and Clinical Research in Man and Lower Animals, with Reference to Pneumonotomy, Pneumonectomy and Bronchotomy, Cardiotomy and Cardiorrhaphy. Grafton Press, 1904.
2. Cappelen, A Vulnus cordis: sutur af hjertet. Norsk Mag Laegevidensk. 1896; 57:285
3. Rehn, L. Ueber penetrirende Herzwunden und Herznaht. Arch Klin Chir. 1897; 55:315

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