The year 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), the present-day treatment of choice for heart attacks, first performed by Klaus Peter Rentrop, MD, in 1978. PCI has substantially reduced the mortality of heart attacks and saved millions of lives worldwide.

The year also marks the 30th anniversary of the American Society for Nuclear Cardiology, established in 1993, in which Dr. Rentrop became a founding member.

In 1978, Dr. Rentrop achieved global recognition as the pioneer of Percutaneous Interventions (PCIs) in acute myocardial infarction, heralding a new era in heart attack treatments.

In the following year, he demonstrated the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy in managing acute myocardial infarction.

The “Rentrop Collateral Classification,” first published in 1985, is a globally adopted system born from Dr. Rentrop’s research on the heart’s collateral circulation, solidifying his impact on cardiac research.

Dr. Rentrop’s pursuit of innovation resulted in patents for the 0.8mm Spectronetics Laser catheter, which is widely used to remove atherosclerotic tissue in coronary arteries as well as in peripheral arteries.

Klaus Peter Rentrop, MD, introduced Positron Emission Tomography (PET), described as the most sophisticated nuclear cardiology test in the greater New York area.

Cardiac PET uses radioisotopes to image blood flow to the heart muscle. It allows physicians to non-invasively identify potentially lethal blockages that require revascularization to reduce the risk of death, while simultaneously avoiding unnecessary surgeries and other cardiac interventions among patients with less dangerous blockages best treated medically. This approach cuts healthcare costs by tens of millions of dollars annually.

Dr. Rentrop dedicated significant time and personal resources, including $8.5 million from his patent royalties as well as his total annual salary for seven years, to make Cardiac PET accessible to underserved urban populations.