Bruce Wilkoff, MD, a pioneer cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic, died of metastatic pancreatic cancer Jan. 7 at 69.
Dr. Wilkoff worked at Cleveland Clinic for 37 years, according to his obituary, and possessed several specialties, including electrophysiology, sudden cardiac death and cardiac implantable electronic devices.
"Dr. Wilkoff was recognized as an international expert in lead extraction and the design of new technologies to improve the performance of pacemakers and defibrillators," a Cleveland Clinic statement said. He contributed greatly to his field, "authoring hundreds of professional journal articles, running numerous clinical trials and holding several patents. Dr. Wilkoff saved and improved the lives of thousands of patients over his extensive career and will be greatly missed by the many patients, colleagues, trainees and friends that he has impacted."
Dr. Wilkoff achieved his most recent innovation in May 2023 when he helped successfully implant a dual cardiac device in the first patient in the world.