Medtronic opened pacemaker assembly facility in Pudong, China
In 1997, Medtronic opened pacemaker assembly facility in Pudong, China, reflecting the importance of China as a key…
Kurt Amplatz invented the Amplatzer Septal Occluder
In 1997, Kurt Amplatz invented the Amplatzer Septal Occluder. The device is inserted by percutaneous catheter placement, thus…
First gene therapy trial for patients with Hunter syndrome began at the University of Minnesota
On Oct. 25, 1996, the first gene therapy trial for patients with Hunter syndrome was begun at the…
The first genetically engineered mouse model showing amyloid plaques was developed at the University of Minnesota
In 1996, the first genetically engineered mouse model showing amyloid plaques and dysfunctional learning and memory found in…
Kurt Amplatz performed one of the first percutaneous catheterization of the heart
In 1996, Kurt Amplatz performed one of the first percutaneous catheterization of the heart. Amplatz, M.D., who was…
Kurt Amplatz created Goose-Neck Snares used to retrieve broken catheters from the cardiovascular system
In 1995, Kurt Amplatz, M.D. created Goose-Neck Snares which are used to retrieve broken catheters and other items…
Honeycrisp apple cultivar developed at the Minnesota Ag Experiment Station
In 1991, Honeycrisp (Malus pumila), an apple cultivar (cultivated variety) developed at the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station’s Horticultural…
The University of Minnesota Cancer Center received NCI designation
In 1987, the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, now known as the Masonic Cancer Center, received National Cancer…
The Priestley Medal was awarded to Bryce Crawford, Jr.
In 1982, The Priestley Medal was awarded to Bryce Crawford, Jr. by the American Chemical Society “to recognize…
The first use of artificial blood in a patient takes place at the University of Minnesota Hospital
On Nov. 20, 1979, Dr. Robert Anderson from the University Hospital injected Fluosol, a blood substitute developed in…
Medtronic established a Heart Valves division
In 1979, Medtronic established a Heart Valves division and introduced the Medtronic Hall mechanical heart valve. This prosthetic…
St. Jude Medical was founded in Suburb of St. Paul
In 1976, St. Jude Medical was founded by Manny Villafana in Little Canada, a suburb of Saint Paul….
Kurt Amplatz published radiographic changes in the postoperative patient in Cardiovascular Diseases
On Jan. 1, 1975, Kurt Amplatz published Radiographic changes in the postoperative patient in Cardiovascular Diseases. Amplatz, M.D.,…
Molecular Probes was founded
In 1975, Molecular Probes was founded by Richard and Rosaria Haugland in their kitchen in Minnesota. The biotechnology…
Norman Borlaug, University of Minnesota graduate in forestry and plant pathology, was awarded Nobel Peace Prize
On Dec. 10, 1970, Norman Borlaug, University of Minnesota graduate in forestry and plant pathology was awarded the…
The world’s first successful bone-marrow transplant completed at the University of Minnesota
In 1968, the world’s first successful bone-marrow transplant was completed at the University of Minnesota Hospital under the…
Medtronic annual sales skyrocketed to more than $12 million
In 1968, Medtronic annual sales skyrocketed to more than $12 million, with the company reporting net income in…
Medtronic opened a service center at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport
In 1967, Medtronic opened a service center at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Staffed round-the-clock, the Schiphol Depot provided physicians…
Medtronic introduced two “on-demand” pacemakers
In 1967, Medtronic introduced two “on-demand” pacemakers, designed to avoid competition between paced beats and the patient’s own…
Pancreas transplant first completed at the University of Minnesota
On Dec. 17, 1966, a pancreas transplant was first completed under the direction of Richard C. Lillehei, William…
Medtronic purchased the patents related to implantable pacemakers from Drs. Greatbatch and Chardack
In 1966, Medtronic purchased the patents related to implantable pacemakers from Drs. Wilson Greatbatch and William Chardack. Building…
Microbiologist John Spizizen arrived at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation
In 1965, microbiologist John Spizizen arrived at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation from the University of Minnesota…
Kurt Amplatz published A Catheter Approach for Cerebral Angiography in Radiology
On Oct. 1, 1963 Kurt Amplatz published A Catheter Approach for Cerebral Angiography in Radiology. Amplatz, M.D., who…
Biochemist Frank Huennekens joined the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation
In 1962, biochemist Frank Huennekens joined the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation from the University of Washington Medical…
Biochemist Frank Huennekens arrived at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation
In 1962, Biochemist Frank Huennekens arrived at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation from the University of Washington…
Medtronic relocated its headquarters to St Anthony Village in Minneapolis
In 1961, Medtronic relocated its headquarters to a 15,000-square-foot facility in St. Anthony Village in Minneapolis. The new…
Medtronic signed a contract that provided exclusive rights to produce and market the Chardack-Greatbatch implantable pulse generator
In 1960, Medtronic’s founders read an article about the implantable pulse generator with interest and soon contacted the…
C. Walton Lillehei and Dr. Richard A DeWall at the University of Minnesota Heart Hospital co-invented a heart-lung machine
In 1958, C. Walton Lillehei and Dr. Richard A. DeWall at the University of Minnesota Heart Hospital co-invent…
The Priestley Medal was awarded to Farrington Daniels
In April 1957, the American Chemical Society awarded the Priestley Medal to Farrington Daniels “to recognize distinguished services…
Dr. C. Walton Lillehei performed the world’s first open-heart operation using cross-circulation
On Mar. 26, 1954, Dr. C. Walton Lillehei at the University of Minnesota performed the world’s first open-heart…