Innovation Is the Best Medicine The Extraordinary Story of Datascope

In modern times, angioplasty, valve replacements, and open-heart surgery have become commonplace procedures. Just 40 years ago, the medical profession was struggling to understand the workings of the heart, and medical technology for monitoring and operating on the heart was still in its infancy. When Larry Saper built the Carditron in 1964, he invented more than a revolutionary new cardioscope; he founded what would become a lasting legacy ? a company called Datascope. A multi-dimensional man, Saper's intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit, and professional and personal passions were the driving force behind his success. Determined to create a successful business, Saper focused on what his company should contribute to patient care. ?We make medical devices that are there to serve people who are sick, ? Saper once told his employees. ?And unless you would use our products on yourself or someone you love, it's not a product that should reach the market; it's not a product that should be sold.' His business philosophy was and still is: ?to make things, new things, better things.' Money was simply an essential byproduct of the business process. This philosophy has become the basis for his business decisions, then and now, and it is the key to Datascope's success ? striving for innovation. Other innovators joined in Saper's vision, and together they pioneered the intra-aortic balloon pump and catheter technology. More revolutionary products and discoveries for cardiac assist soon followed, and the company grew exponentially, becoming a publicly traded company in 1972. By 2004, the year of its 40th anniversary, Datascope had evolved into a world-class manufacturer of unique, and oftenlifesaving products in interventional cardiology and radiology, anesthesiology, cardiovascular and vascular surgery, emergency medicine, and critical care.Rodengen, Jeffrey L. is the author of 'Innovation Is the Best Medicine The Extraordinary Story of Datascope', published 2004 under ISBN 9780945903963 and ISBN 0945903960.