An Iowan who made medical history with the first-ever heart transplant at the University of Iowa Hospitals has died. Emerson Martin died last night at his home in North Liberty at the age of 50.
It was 25 years ago that Martin was given only months to live. Doctors at the Iowa City medical facility performed the first successful heart transplant on Martin in June of 1985. Since Martin’s surgery, University of Iowa hospital physicians continue to perform these kinds of operations.
It is one of the leading medical facilities in the country for heart transplant surgery. Emerson Martin was a 1977 graduate of Webster City High School. He is survived by a wife and three children. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced later.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City