Dr. William P. Murphy Jr., a biomedical engineer, and inventor of the vinyl blood bag passed away at the age of 100 at his home in Coral Gables, Fla. on Thursday. Dr. Murphy was widely recognized for his contributions to biomedical engineering, particularly for his invention of the vinyl blood bag that revolutionized the safe storage and transfusion of blood in various medical settings.
Dr. Murphy, the son of a Nobel Prize-winning Boston physician, is also credited with early advancements in the development of pacemakers, artificial kidneys, and other sterile devices used in medical procedures. He co-invented the vinyl blood bag with Dr. Carl W. Walter in 1949-50, which replaced fragile glass bottles and significantly improved the storage, portability, and transfusion of blood supplies.
The vinyl blood bags, made of polyvinyl chloride, have since become a crucial component in blood storage and distribution worldwide, with blood banks and hospitals relying on their longevity and durability. Dr. William Murphy’s work on the modern blood bag proved to be vital during the Korean War, where he demonstrated their efficacy in transfusing wounded soldiers at aid stations near the front lines.
In addition to his contributions to blood storage and transfusion, Dr. Murphy was also involved in the development of pacemakers, artificial kidneys, and other medical devices that have improved patient care and treatment. His work with these devices, including advanced pacemakers and sterile vascular catheters, has had a lasting impact on the field of biomedical engineering and medical technology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Murphy received numerous accolades, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Distinguished Service Award of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. His innovative work in biomedical engineering has had a significant and enduring impact on medical care and treatment.