Andreas Gruntzig

Andreas Gruntzig was a Swiss cardiologist known for his pioneering work in the field of interventional cardiology. In the late 1970s, he developed balloon angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowed arteries, particularly in patients with coronary artery disease. This technique involves inserting a small balloon into a blocked artery and inflating it to widen the vessel, improving blood flow. Gruntzig's innovations significantly advanced heart treatment methods, reducing the need for open-heart surgery and improving patient outcomes. His contributions are foundational in modern cardiology, shaping how cardiovascular diseases are treated today.