Elliott Cutler

Elliottccutler

Elliott Carr Cutler (July 30, 1888 – August 16, 1947) was an American surgeon and a pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery. He is best known for performing the first successful mitral valve surgery.

Early Life and Education

Elliott Cutler was born in Bangor, Maine. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1909. He then went on to study at the Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1913. During his time at Harvard, he was influenced by prominent surgeons and developed an interest in surgical techniques.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Cutler began his surgical training at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He later served as a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and held various positions at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital.

World War I

During World War I, Cutler served as a surgeon with the Harvard Unit of the British Expeditionary Force in France. His experiences during the war significantly influenced his surgical practices and innovations.

Innovations in Cardiac Surgery

In 1923, Cutler performed the first successful mitral valve surgery on a 12-year-old girl with rheumatic heart disease. This groundbreaking procedure marked a significant milestone in the field of cardiac surgery and paved the way for future advancements.

Later Career and Contributions

Cutler continued to make significant contributions to the field of surgery throughout his career. He was a prolific writer and published numerous articles on various surgical topics. He also served as a mentor to many young surgeons, helping to shape the future of the profession.

Personal Life

Elliott Cutler was married to Alice Mason Cutler, and they had three children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his profession.

Death and Legacy

Elliott Cutler passed away on August 16, 1947. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of cardiac surgery and for his contributions to the advancement of surgical techniques. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine.

See Also

• Cardiac surgery
• Mitral valve
• Harvard Medical School
• Peter Bent Brigham Hospital