Ulrich Sigwart FMH

Professor Ulrich Sigwart is a German cardiologist, known for his pioneering role in several areas. He invented the novel non-surgical technique known as pharmacologic septal ablation which reduces the abnormal enlargement of the septum for the percutaneous treatment of patients suffering from hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. He is also credited for his seminal role in the conception and placement of coronary stents.

He had intended to be the first to place a coronary stent, however regulatory hurdles slowed the approval process in Switzerland and the first stent implantation was performed by Jacques Puel in March, 1986. Three months later, however, Ulrich Sigwart implanted the first stent in the world to be used in a bailout situation, enabling his patient to avoid being sent for emergency bypass surgery. Among many other innovative projects, he also was involved in the design and evolution of the ACS Multilink Stent and early trials.