Andreas Grüntzig

Andreas Grüntzig was a pioneering German cardiologist best known for developing balloon angioplasty, a less invasive procedure to treat narrowed arteries, particularly in patients with coronary artery disease. Introduced in the late 1970s, this technique involves inserting a thin balloon catheter into an artery and inflating it to widen the vessel, improving blood flow. Grüntzig's innovation significantly reduced the need for more invasive surgeries like bypasses and has transformed cardiac care, making it safer and more accessible. His work has saved countless lives and continues to influence modern cardiology practices.