Dr. Wilfred Bigelow: A Pioneer of Hypothermia in Cardiac Surgery
Dr. Wilfred Bigelow earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1938. Originally from Manitoba, he served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps in Europe during the Second World War.
Upon returning in 1948, he joined the Surgical Service at Toronto General Hospital as well as the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. It was during this period that he became interested in a phenomenon observed in some animals: winter lethargy.
Hypothermia as a Revolutionary Surgical Tool
Dr. Bigelow observed that certain hibernating animals naturally lower their body temperature, significantly slow their metabolism, and reduce oxygen consumption to a minimum. Inspired by this, he developed the idea that controlled hypothermia could be used in medicine to decrease the oxygen needs of the heart and brain during surgery.
He hypothesized that by lowering a patient’s body temperature to around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21°C), it would be possible to temporarily stop bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood circulation without damaging vital organs—creating a precious window of time to operate on the heart.
Promising Results in Animal Studies
In 1950, he tested his hypothesis on over 120 dogs. He demonstrated that by inducing deep hypothermia, he could safely stop bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood circulation for a short period, allowing cardiac procedures that were previously considered impossible.
A Breakthrough Shared with the Medical World
Although he never had the opportunity to apply the technique himself to a sick child—none having been referred to him—his discovery marked a turning point. The use of hypothermia in cardiac surgery quickly spread, especially in combination with extracorporeal circulation, becoming a standard for many major procedures.
Well-Deserved Recognition
Dr. Wilfred Bigelow was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 1997 for his groundbreaking contributions. He passed away on March 27, 2005, at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable scientific legacy and a technique still used in operating rooms today.
Related articles
Latest articles
