Dragoljub (Bata) Adamov (1927–1996) – The first pacemaker implantation in Serbia

Abstract

It has been over half a century since the implementation of pacemaker therapy in our country and the region. The first successful implantation of a pacemaker in former Yugoslavia and in Serbia took place on September 16, 1965 in “Dr. Dragiša Mišović” Clinical Hospital Centre, and this operation, with a team of doctors of the institution, was performed by surgeon Dragoljub (Bata) Adamov (1927–1996). The first permanent pacemaker implantation was with epicardial leads with thoracotomy approach. The patient was operated on under general anesthesia, administered by anesthesiologist Predrag Lalević (1927–), and Dr. Adamov was assisted by Dr. Miša Albrecht (1933–) and Dr. Milan Dragović (1933–2009). Although pacemaker therapy has since been widely proven and confirmed, it is necessary to remember the pioneers who introduced this kind of therapy to the region, as they deserve a distinguished place in the history of medicine in Serbia.

Keywords: pacemaker; first implantation; history of medicine