Tom Fogarty invented a clutch for motorcycles and scooters — which is still the world standard — at 15, before he could get a driver’s license. He invented the Fogarty embolectomy catheter — which launched a revolution in non-invasive surgery — when he was a scrub technician, before he was qualified to use it.
These inventions launched Dr. Fogarty on a legendary career as a cardiovascular surgeon, teacher, inventor, venture capitalist, and now winemaker. Dr. Fogarty’s inventions have garnered more than 100 patents for medical devices. He has been involved with more than 33 business and research companies based on these devices.
So it is no surprise that the San Mateo County Historical Association has named Dr. Fogarty its History Maker for 2006. He will be honored at a banquet Thursday, September 21, at the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood City. He is also featured in the new entrepreneurs exhibit at the History Museum in the old courthouse in Redwood City.
“Dr. Fogarty was chosen as the 2006 History Maker due to his incredible contribution to medical technology and his business entrepreneurship in many areas, including the Thomas Fogarty Winery,” says Mitch Postel, president of the historical association. “I don’t know how many people have told me they have had their lives saved by his procedures.”
Dr. Fogarty, who has lived in Portola Valley since 1968, has won numerous awards. In 2000 he won the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize, the world’s largest prize for invention and innovation; in 20001 he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
In awarding him the Lemelson award, economist Lester Thurow said, “Tom Fogarty epitomizes American ingenuity and has made a lasting and beneficial impact on society.”
Career
A born tinkerer, Tom Fogarty grew up in Cincinnati. His father died when he was 6, and he used to help his mother with repairs around the house. “When things broke, I tried to figure out how to fix them,” he said in a 2002 interview. He also designed and built model airplanes.Dr. Fogarty attended Xavier University, and earned his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati. He completed his residency at the University of Oregon, before coming to Portola Valley and Stanford in 1968, with his wife Rosalee and their four children.
From 1968 to 1979, Dr. Fogarty taught cardiovascular surgery at Stanford and conducted a private practice. He was a member of the surgical team when Dr. Norman Shumway conducted the first heart transplant in this country. He was president of Stanford’s medical staff from 1977 to 1979.
From 1980 to 1993, Dr. Fogarty was director of cardiovascular surgery at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. He returned to Stanford in 1993 as a professor of surgery, and resigned in 2001. Now he spends most of his time creating new medical devices with Fogarty Engineering in the Ladera Professional Center.
He also spends time on his avocation, making fine wines in his beautiful winery and entertainment center at the top of Portola Valley. “A glass of wine is the equivalent of an aspirin a day and tastes better,” Dr. Fogarty said in a 2002 interview. “Wine is a health food in liquid form.”
Catheter
But Dr. Fogarty remains best known for the Fogarty catheter — the little balloon that can be inserted into a vein, inflated, and used to remove a blood clot or blockage without major surgery. This 1963 invention led to angioplasty and other less invasive techniques that have revolutionized surgery.“Most of the technology I’ve been involved in is aimed at minimizing the intrusion on the patient and the length of stay in the hospital,” he said during a 1996 interview.
Another widely used device originated by Dr. Fogarty is the AneuRx Stent Graft that replaces open-heart surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Ten years ago, Dr. Fogarty reflected on his accomplishments and progress riding the tide of new medical technology. “It was really very exciting and very satisfying. Even now, looking back, I am amazed at how much we accomplished in a 35-year period.”
INFORMATION
Dr. Thomas Fogarty will be honored by the San Mateo County Historical Association at its History Makers dinner on Thursday, September 21, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hotel Sofitel, 223 Twin Dolphin Drive in Redwood City. Master of ceremonies will be Bob Sarlatte and the featured speaker is Bill Walsh, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. There will be a film presentation on “Thomas Fogarty, M.D.: A Healer for All Seasons.” For tickets at $150 each or information, call the history museum at 299-0104.
