Charles Theodore Dotter

Charles Theodore Dotter (14 June 1920 – 15 February 1985) was an American physician and radiologist who is often credited with pioneering interventional radiology. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the development of angioplasty and the invention of the catheter-delivered stent, which have had a profound impact on the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Charles Theodore Dotter was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He pursued his undergraduate education at Duke University, where he developed an interest in medical research. Following his graduation, Dotter enrolled at Cornell University Medical College, earning his medical degree in 1944. After completing his medical degree, Dotter undertook residency training in radiology, a field that was still in its infancy at the time.

Career and Contributions[edit | edit source]

In the early 1960s, Dotter began to explore the possibilities of using catheters in diagnostic imaging and therapy. His innovative approach led to the development of transluminal angioplasty in 1964, a technique that involved the use of a catheter to widen narrowed or obstructed blood vessels. This procedure marked the birth of interventional radiology, a specialty that uses minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases.

Dotter's work did not stop with angioplasty. He continued to innovate and in 1969, he introduced the concept of the catheter-delivered stent, a device designed to keep blood vessels open after angioplasty. This invention has become a cornerstone in the treatment of coronary artery disease and has saved countless lives.

Throughout his career, Dotter received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medicine and radiology. He was a prolific writer, authoring over 300 scientific papers and several textbooks that helped to establish interventional radiology as a recognized medical specialty.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Charles Theodore Dotter passed away in 1985, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as the "Father of Interventional Radiology," and his innovations have transformed the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Dotter Interventional Institute at Oregon Health & Science University is named in his honor, serving as a testament to his contributions to the field of medicine.