John Ochsner, renowned cardiac surgeon, dead at 91
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — John Lockwood Ochsner — a world-renowned cardiac surgeon — has died. He was 91.
Ochsner Health Systems in New Orleans announced his death Friday.
Ochsner was considered a pioneer in valve and coronary surgery, the use of pacemakers and early heart, lung and liver transplants. He performed Louisiana's first heart transplant in 1970.
He had retired from surgery in 2004, at age 77, but continued to see patients.
He was the son of Alton Ochsner, who, in 1942, was one of the founders of what is now Ochsner Health Systems.
A joint statement from the institution's board chairman and president called John Ochsner a "larger than life presence."
Funeral arrangements have not been released.