Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington                  June 24, 2002
(Phone: 202/358-1979)

NOTE TO EDITORS: N02-49 

NASA ADMINISTRATOR TO HONOR MEDICAL PIONEER

     NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe will present Dr. Michael 
DeBakey, the man known as the father of modern cardiovascular 
surgery, with the agency's Commercial Invention of the Year 
award during a ceremony at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St., SW, 
Washington, at 10 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, June 25, in room 3P44.

Dr. DeBakey is being honored for his work on an innovative 
heart pump based on technology found in the engines that 
power space shuttles into orbit. The small ventricular-assist 
device, known as the VAD, is designed to be a bridge for 
heart patients who often are forced to wait months, if not 
years, for a donor organ. The VAD may also be used as a 
permanent way to help strengthen the beat of a weakened 
heart.

Due to limited seating news media wishing to attend should 
call the NASA newsroom at 202/358-1600.


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