Drs. Rene Leriche and Michael DeBakey

We have previously mentioned two legendary figures in Cardiovascular Surgery: Dr. Michael DeBakey and Dr. Rene Leriche.

I wanted to briefly elaborate on their relationship and the impact they both had on Aortic Surgery.

In 1935, Dr. Michael DeBakey had finished his training at the Oschner Clinic in New Orleans and traveled to Strasbourg, France to learn from one of the most noted surgeons of the time, Dr. Rene Leriche.

Dr. Leriche had many notable achievements and accolades, but is best remembered for two things.  He developed a surgical procedure called “Lumbar Sympathectomy” which improved circulation to the legs in patients with poor circulation.  He was also described as a masterful teacher and was beloved by his patients.

He also described a syndrome of complete aorto-iliac occlusion, buttock claudication and poor pulses.  This has subsequently been called Leriche Syndrome as discussed in this post.

A gifted teacher and expert technician, Dr. Leriche trained many physicians regarding vascular surgery procedures.  At the time (1935) the specialty of Vascular Surgery was barely in its infancy.

Dr. DeBakey was so impressed with his training under Dr. Leriche that in 1938 he wrote a book entitled “The Clinic of Professor Rene Leriche” which described his fellowship in Strasbourg.

You can read the book for free online at The National Library of Medicine.

Dr. DeBakey said “The generous personality of Professor Rene Leriche is clearly revealed by his noble and imposing Beethovenian countenance.”

He concluded his brief report by saying about Dr. Leriche:

When the pages of this chapter of medical history have been completed, his name will appear conspicuously among those who have done most towards advancing modern surgical progress.

— Dr. Michael DeBakey, The Clinic of Professor Rene Leriche (1938)

Of course, Dr. Debakey went on to have an enormously successful career and can truly be said to be the father of Cardiovascular Surgery.  The quote that Dr. DeBakey wrote about Dr. Leriche could be similarly said about Dr. DeBakey himself.

Clearly Dr. Leriche was well-respected by Dr. DeBakey and not only did DeBakey model his surgical practice after Dr. Leriche, but he also patterned his teaching and clinical practice after many of the characteristics he observed during his time in Strasbourg.

The history of Surgery and Medicine are incredibly fascinating.  We will continue to include these type posts in the future so that everyone can become more versed in the journey and personalities that have contributed to our modern medical and surgical successes.

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PS. Don’t forget to check out the newly updated Aortic Atlas.