Charles E. Mullins remembered as a pioneer of interventional pediatric cardiology
Charles E. Mullins, MD, a U.S. Army veteran known as a legend of interventional pediatric cardiology, died Nov. 17. He was 92 years old.
Mullins practiced for five decades, developing new cath lab techniques and helping promote the use of stents to treat congenital heart disease. The Mullins sheath, still used today for transseptal punctures during left heart catheterizations, was named even after him.
According to the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), Mullins helped play a key role in the development of SCAI by encouraging pediatric interventional cardiologists to attend the organization’s annual conference. He made an impact in other ways as well, training more than 150 pediatric cardiology fellows and co-authoring more than 200 articles to peer-reviewed medical journals.
“Dr. Mullins was widely recognized as the ‘father of modern interventional pediatric cardiology,’ with a distinguished career marked by numerous groundbreaking contributions,” SCAI President James B. Hermiller, MD, director of the structural heart program at St. Vincent Ascension Heart Center in Indianapolis, said in a loving tribute. “He was a dedicated educator and mentor for many in the interventional cardiology field … the SCAI community mourns his passing and celebrates his many accomplishments and innovations.”
“We remember Dr. Mullins as an unparalleled mentor and teacher, a highly respected colleague, and a loyal friend to many,” added Frank Ing, MD, a pediatric cardiologist with UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “His legacy will continue among those of us who were touched by his presence, teachings, wisdom, and, most importantly, his mentorship and friendship. Dr. Mullins will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
Mullins also received multiple awards over the course of his career. SCAI, the Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Symposium, American College of Cardiology and the American Academy of Pediatrics all honored him for his leaderships abilities and contributions to the specialty of interventional cardiology.
Mullins is survived by his wife of 70 years, Arlene, as well as two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His family asked that donations be sent to the pediatric cardiology department at Texas Children's Hospital or the U.S.O. in lieu of flowers. His full obituary is available here.
Click here for an additional tribute written to honor Mullins prior to his passing. It was written by Ing and explores the lasting impact Mullins made on interventional cardiology.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.