Abstract
Professor Charles Wildevuur, born in Venlo, The Netherlands, was a pioneering surgeon-scientist whose work made a lasting contribution to experimental and cardiothoracic surgery, extracorporeal circulation, and perfusion science. His passing marks the loss of a visionary figure whose influence extended across cardiovascular research, surgical innovation, and transplantation.
He was internationally recognised for his rigorous experimental approach at a formative stage in the development of cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial protection. Professor Wildevuur championed physiological investigation and methodological discipline, ensuring that experimental findings translated into meaningful clinical advances. His work significantly advanced understanding of extracorporeal circulation, myocardial preservation, and organ protection principles that remain central to contemporary perfusion practice.
A landmark achievement in his career was his leadership in the first clinical application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in Europe in 1974. At a time when extracorporeal life support was in its infancy, this represented both scientific courage and a forward-looking vision for mechanical circulatory and respiratory support.
Professor Wildevuur also played a pioneering role in transplantation surgery. By 1981, under his leadership, the University Hospital in Groningen had completed all preparations for the first heart transplantation in The Netherlands. Although the procedure did not proceed at that time, this achievement reflected the advanced state of his programme and his strategic foresight.
At the World Congres of the International Society for Artificial Organs 1993, the Cleveland Award, conferred biennially to recognize outstanding achievements in artificial organ research and development was awarded to Charles Wildevuur. This distinction acknowledged his pioneering contributions to the field of artificial organs, building on earlier research conducted during his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic (1967–1968), where his work focused on the development of artificial heart and lung systems and biomaterialshe recieved the Cleveland Award.
He was an exceptional educator and mentor, fostering intellectual independence, critical thinking, and scientific rigour among generations of surgeons, perfusionists, and researchers. Many of his trainees have gone on to hold leading positions internationally.
Importantly, he recognised perfusionists as essential scientific partners, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between surgeons, engineers, and basic scientists—an approach that aligns closely with the ethos of Perfusion.
Professor Wildevuur published over 150 professional articles and leaves a legacy defined not only by scientific achievement but by the standards of excellence he set. His influence continues through the people he mentored and the field he helped shape.
Except for his fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, Charles Wildevuur devoted his academic career, from his doctoral training to his appointment as professor, at the University of Groningen.
In 1954, he met his true love Toetie van Hamersveld , they married in 1959 and went on to have four children. His wife passed away in 2025. Charles Wildevuur is survived by three of his children and his three grandchildren.
He will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by the international cardiothoracic and perfusion communities.
