From Scalpel to Catheter: Fifty Years of Progress in Endovascular Innovation

The advancement of cardiovascular therapies has played a pivotal role in reducing premature mortality from conditions that are now treatable. A notable example is the case of Albert Einstein, who died from an aortic aneurysm a condition that, with current endovascular techniques, could be repaired in under an hour. Over the past fifty years, endovascular interventions have evolved significantly, becoming safer, more effective, and considerably less invasive. These procedures typically involve vascular access through a small puncture, allowing for the treatment of arterial and venous pathologies, valvular abnormalities, and other structural cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysms, valvular dysfunction, and intracerebral aneurysms. These minimally invasive approaches have demonstrated outcomes that are comparable to, or even superior to, those of conventional open surgery, while offering additional benefits such as reduced surgical trauma, shorter hospital stays, and faster patient recovery. Technological advances, such as robotic surgery and AI, continue to evolve, enhancing precision and enabling personalized, minimally invasive care.