Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
5.12 Dedication
Ralph Kafesjian (1934±2008)
This chapter is dedicated to Ralph Kafesjian, who worked tirelessly during his
31 year career at Edwards Lifesciences to develop and improve many life-saving
technologies, particularly heart valves. His contributions focused on using
science and engineering to provide practical solutions to problems in the real
world environment of manufacturing and device development, and his expertise
in metallurgy, biomaterials, ceramics, material fatigue/failure analysis, and
materials processing directly benefited the patients who received those life-
saving devices, many of which became market-leading technologies.
Ralph leaves behind his wife June, his children, and many colleagues who
have been fortunate enough to work with him and call him a friend. Ralph, you
are missed, but we thank you for always being willing to teach us and working
tirelessly to improve the performance of medical implants. We know the
millions of patients whose lives you've touched also thank you.
5.13 References
Baan J Jr, Yong ZY, Koch KT, et al. (2010), `Factors associated with cardiac conduction
disorders and permanent pacemaker implantation after percutaneous aortic valve
implantation with the CoreValve prosthesis', Am Heart J, 159, 497±503.
Beach D (2009), `Medtronic to acquire CoreValve Inc.', available at: http://
wwwp .med t r on i c . com/News r oom/NewsRe l e a s eDe t a i l s . do? i t emI d=
1235395903862&format=print&lang=en_US [accessed 7 April 2010].
