A researcher was recently honored for his work in treating coronary artery disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S according to eurekalert.org.
One way to prevent clogged arteries is with a healthy dietary intake, which one might find with an alkaline diet. Those who are suffering from the disease may have Dr. John Simpson to thank for their treatment.
Upon graduating medical school, Simpson was struck with disbelief when he heard about the idea to use a balloon catheter to treat a clogged artery. However, he became so interested after hearing about it that he decide to research the tool for himself.
Simpson looked at the original device and began to make his own adjustments to it, making it easier to manipulate the balloon with a guide wire, which is now known as an over-the-wire balloon angioplasty catheter.
When the balloon is inflated, it compresses plaque against the wall of the artery, and also allows the doctors to implant stents, which can keep the widened areas open.
“Dr. Simpsons inventions have touched millions of patients around the world through the years,” said Dr. Richard Smalling. “He is truly one of the major pioneers of interventional cardiology.”