Argentine Inventor’s Forgotten Metal Scrap launched Cardiology Revolution
PALO ALTO, CA – Julio palmaz, the Argentine physician and inventor whose groundbreaking stent design transformed the treatment of heart disease, expresses continued surprise at the enduring impact of his work decades after its initial development. What began as a solution inspired by a discarded piece of metal mesh-left behind by a bricklayer at his home-has become a cornerstone of modern cardiology, saving countless lives worldwide.
Initially, Palmaz underestimated the potential of his invention, believing it would serve a limited, specialized purpose. He never anticipated the stent would evolve into such a ubiquitous medical resource. “At first I thought the stent was going to have limited use and that it was going to be kind of a niche application,” Palmaz recalls.”I never thought it would become such a big medical resource.” Today, millions undergo stent implantation annually to restore blood flow and prevent heart attacks.
Palmaz’s innovation addressed a critical need: keeping arteries open after balloon angioplasty, a procedure prone to re-closure. His self-expanding stent, crafted from stainless steel, provided the internal scaffolding necessary to maintain arterial patency. The device dramatically improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease, a leading cause of death globally.
Now residing in California, where he owns a vineyard, Palmaz remains deeply gratified by his contribution to medicine.”It still surprises me that all these years later and it’s still in use. I definitely feel very proud and very happy,” he says. Beyond the medical impact, Palmaz actively mentors young innovators, encouraging them to pursue novel ideas and “leave their mark” on the world. “Also, I have become a kind of mentor so that young people at least try to present their ideas and pursue the attitude of innovating and finding new things.”
