Affiliation:
1. Clinic for Cardiology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade
Abstract
Within modern medicine at the beginning of 21st century, we are witnessing a
revolutionary development of the invasive diagnostics and therapy of
cardiovascular system diseases. With the discovery of X-rays at the end of
19th century by Wilhelm Roentgen, it is appropriate to reflect on the gifted
individuals whose efforts drastically altered radiology and cardiology. The
early techniques used in peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
form the basis for subsequent percutaneous intervention both in the
peripheral and coronary arteries and are largely the contribution of Charles
Dotter. The main goal of his work was the use of catheters for diagnosis and
treatment in an attempt to replace the scalpel. He was 20 years ahead of his
time, especially with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The first
percutaneous transluminal angioplasty marked a new era in the treatment of
peripheral atherosclerotic lesions. This practical genius dedicated his
considerable energy to the belief that there is always a better way to treat
disease. His personal contributions to clinical medicine, research, and
teaching have saved millions of limbs and lives all over the world. European
physicians, who were more open to unproven techniques, almost immediately
embraced percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Without the contribution and
help of his colleagues, Forssmann, Sones and Gruntzig, all of them pioneers,
nothing would be done. They were all ahead of there time and opened
completely new chapter in medicine.
Publisher
National Library of Serbia