Kurt Amplatz, MD, passed away last week, leaving an incredible legacy of improving the lives of others. A professor of Radiology at the University for 40 years, he developed the field of coronary angiography and invented the Amplatz catheter to allow examination of coronary arteries through a vessel in the groin.
He used his passion for "tinkering" to explore and solve real-life problems through what we now call biomedical engineering. The techniques and devices he invented continue to save lives every day: repairing holes in hearts with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder, improving renal surgery with Amplatz fascial dilators, and helping patients get better diagnoses and avoid invasive surgeries.
Dr. Amplatz was one of our giants, not just for his intellect, but for how much he gave and continues to give to the world of medicine and patients around the world. His life reminds us that we can use our knowledge and gifts to help others in many different ways. Dr. John Bass put it beautifully the other day, "Each of us celebrates his life when we care for others."
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD
Vice President for Clinical Affairs
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