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.