Thomas J. Fogarty

Sometimes referred to as the “Edison of medicine,” Dr. Fogarty is one of the most prolific inventors and credited as one of the early pioneers in the launch of the medical device industry.

As an internationally recognized cardiovascular surgeon, inventor, entrepreneur and vintner, he has dedicated his entire career to improving patient care and is named on over 200 medical device patents, including the “industry standard” Fogarty balloon catheter, which 50 years later is still being used, saving the lives and limbs of more than 16 million patients.

His knack for building things started at an early age—when he was just 15, he invented the centrifugal clutch, which sparked a lifetime of innovation in medical technology.

The motto, “There has to be a better way,” inspired Dr. Fogarty to found more than 45 medical device companies and create numerous devices, including the widely used Aneurx Stent Graft that replaced the traditional surgical repair. This less invasive approach has resulted in a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity in the management of the aneurysmal disease. But perhaps even more importantly than his contributions to surgery today, he has inspired and aided countless other entrepreneurs to continually push the envelope of innovation, which has led to a legacy of new inventions and lives saved.

A strong believer in the power of mentoring, he founded Fogarty Institute for Innovation (now Fogarty Innovation) on the campus of El Camino Hospital in 2007 to spur medical device innovation, improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. While he loved helping people as a surgeon, he believes in the multiplier effect that is created through widely adopted technology.

Dr. Fogarty has been recognized by countless organizations for his contributions to medical science, including receiving the prestigious Presidential Medal of Technology and Innovation.