A half century of selective coronary arteriography.

The first "selective" coronary arteriogram was made 50 years ago by Dr. F. Mason Sones at the Cleveland Clinic. Soon afterward coronary arteriography was developed as a diagnostic method suitable for widespread clinical application. This method has revolutionized our understanding of coronary artery disease and has become the basis for selecting and evaluating therapeutic interventions. This Viewpoint commemorates the achievements of the pioneers of coronary arteriography, the difficulties they encountered, and their impact on the development of modern cardiology. Developments during the last half century and prospects for the future are discussed in historical perspective.