Michel Mirowski

Michel Mirowski
Born	October 14, 1924 Warsaw, Poland
Died	March 26, 1990 Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Nationality	Polish-American
Occupation	Cardiologist
Known for	Inventing the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Michel Mirowski (October 14, 1924 – March 26, 1990) was a Polish-American cardiologist who is best known for inventing the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that has saved countless lives by preventing sudden cardiac death.

Early Life and Education

Michel Mirowski was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1924. He survived the Holocaust and later pursued a career in medicine. Mirowski completed his medical education in France and Israel before moving to the United States.

Career

Mirowski's interest in cardiology was driven by the sudden death of his mentor, which led him to focus on preventing sudden cardiac death. He began working on the concept of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in the 1960s. Despite initial skepticism from the medical community, Mirowski persisted in his research.

In 1980, the first human implantation of the ICD was successfully performed. The device was designed to detect and correct life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering an electric shock to the heart. This invention has had a profound impact on the field of cardiology and has saved numerous lives.

Personal Life

Mirowski was married and had children. He continued to work on advancements in cardiology until his death in 1990 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Legacy

Michel Mirowski's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of cardiology. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is now a standard treatment for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. His dedication and innovation have been recognized by numerous awards and honors.

See Also

• Cardiology
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
• Sudden cardiac death
• Arrhythmia