Accomplishments

Reginald H. Smithwick, M.D., pioneers the surgical treatment of hypertension

Robert W. Wilkins, M.D., and associates are first in the Western world to use reserpine-type drugs in the treatment of high blood pressure

Step-care approach to the treatment of hypertension is formulated; Robert W. Wilkins, M.D., named President, American Heart Association

BUMC research team first to uses the diuretic chlorothiazide for the treatment of patients with hypertension; Lasker Award to Robert W. Wilkins, M.D., for his work on anti-hypertensive drug therapy

First to use the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone in the treatment of hypertension

Pioneering work in development of extra-anatomic bypass procedures in peripheral vascular surgery

Discovery of the hormone 18-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone in genetic animal models of hypertension and humans

First use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril in hypertension; first use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in heart failure

Pioneering work to establish the use of a Left Ventricular Assist Device in Open Heart Surgery

Continuing leadership in the long-standing Boston University/Framingham Heart Study, which identified the key risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease

The first delineation of the vascular response to balloon angioplasty

Thomas J. Ryan, M.D., named President, American Heart Association

The first use of thermal laser angioplasty in humans

First demonstration of deficiency of nitric oxide as a cause for thrombosis

Elucidation of role of nitric oxide in salt sensitive hypertension

Use of heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits to limit bleeding risk and ransfusion requirements for patients undergoing heart surgery

Identification of genetic polymorphisms that contribute to hypertension, thrombosis, and heart failure

Role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as a critical determinant of vascular oxidant stress

Identification of novel molecular determinants of angiogenesis

Identification of a molecular mechanism of adriamycin cardiotoxicity

Use of glucose-insulin-potassium solution to improve outcome in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery