Charles Dotter: interventional radiologist.

Coronary and peripheral vascular diseases are leading causes of death and disability throughout the world. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has had a profound influence on the treatment of these diseases, resulting in salvage of thousands of limbs without surgery. The concepts and innovations of Charles Dotter, inventor of angioplasty and widely proclaimed father of interventional radiology, affect the practices of all physicians engaged in the treatment of coronary and peripheral vascular disease. The highlights of his life and research are described herein.