Leonardo Botallo

Leonardo Botallo or Leonardi Botalli Astensis in Latin (1530 – c. 1587) was an Italian anatomist who is remembered in the eponymous foramen Botalli which allows blood in the fetal heart of humans to move from the left to the right atrium and the ductus Botalli connecting the pulmonary artery to the proximal descending aorta although both are now thought to be incorrectly attributed to him as these were added in posthumous editions of his work.

He studied at the University of Pavia, graduating in medicine around 1543 with lessons under Gabriele Falloppio (1523-1562).

He then worked in the service of French nobility and received the role of counselor to King Henry II around 1550.

His adoption of bloodletting as a medical practice earned criticism from Bonaventure Grangier, Jacques Poms and other French physicians.

He is known for his 1560 treatise on the treatment of wounds from guns, De curandis vulneribus sclopettorum.