Thomas J. Fogarty

As an internationally recognized cardiovascular surgeon, inventor, entrepreneur and vintner, Dr. Fogarty 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. 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.

A strong believer in the power of mentoring, he founded 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.