India’s top cardiac surgeons are globally recognized for their expertise in complex heart surgeries—from bypass and valve replacements to pediatric cardiac operations. Surgeons like Dr. Ramakanta Panda and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan bring unmatched skill, innovation, and success rates, making India a leading destination for affordable and high-quality cardiac surgery.
These specialists operate in internationally accredited hospitals like Asian Heart Institute, Fortis, and Narayana Health, offering advanced techniques including robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Top Cardiac Surgeons in India
Dr. Ramakanta Panda
Specialization: Coronary Artery Bypass, Redo Bypass, Beating Heart Surgery
Experience: Over 35 years | 20,000+ surgeries
Hospital: Vice Chairman & Chief Consultant, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
Awards: Padma Bhushan, India’s most trusted cardiac surgeon
Dr. Ramakanta Panda is widely regarded as the safest heart surgeon in India. He is renowned for pioneering off-pump (beating heart) coronary artery bypass surgery and handling high-risk, redo bypass procedures. As the founder of Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, he has created one of the most reliable cardiac care centers in Asia. His patient list includes international dignitaries, CEOs, and critical care patients turned away by others.
He has performed over 20,000 cardiac surgeries and remains at the forefront of cardiac innovations with robotic assistance, minimal access surgeries, and patient-specific cardiac protocols. Dr. Panda is also known for his integrity-driven model of practice, ensuring transparency and compassionate care.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Specialization: Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Valve Repairs
Experience: Over 30 years in pediatric and adult cardiac surgeries
Hospital: Senior Consultant, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Awards: National recognition for excellence in pediatric heart care
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan is a leading figure in pediatric cardiac surgery in India, performing thousands of successful heart surgeries on children with congenital heart defects. His calm demeanor, technical brilliance, and mentorship have made him a cornerstone of Apollo Chennai’s cardiac team.
He has worked extensively on complex valve repairs, and neonatal heart anomalies and contributed to training the next generation of surgeons. Dr. Radhakrishnan actively participates in government health programs and global outreach for underprivileged children needing life-saving surgeries. He has presented widely at international pediatric cardiac congresses and is also involved in device-based interventions for congenital conditions.
Dr. Nandkishore Kapadia
Specialization: Heart & Lung Transplant, VADs, Minimally Invasive Surgery
Experience: 25+ years | Global experience in USA, Germany
Hospital: Director, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai
Awards: International Excellence in Transplant Care
Dr. Kapadia is India’s foremost expert in cardiothoracic transplants and mechanical circulatory support systems like LVAD. With surgical fellowships from Germany and the USA, he has brought cutting-edge global transplant protocols to Indian soil. His team has executed several successful heart-lung transplant programs and set up dedicated transplant ICUs. Dr. Kapadia is actively engaged in clinical trials involving 3D printed cardiac models and AI-based cardiac diagnostics.
Beyond surgery, he mentors cardiac teams across India and contributes to policy frameworks on organ donation and post-transplant care. He has served as an invited speaker at the ISHLT (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation).
Dr. Thasee Pillai
Specialization: Endoscopic and High-Risk Valve Surgery
Experience: 28+ years including training in UK & Europe
Hospital: Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
Awards: Recognized for pioneering minimally invasive cardiac care
Dr. Thasee Pillai has transformed the approach to complex valve surgeries using totally endoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. Trained in the UK and Europe, he returned to India to introduce sternal-sparing procedures, making cardiac surgery less traumatic and reducing recovery times significantly. He leads a dynamic team at Manipal Bangalore, one of the busiest surgical units in South India.
A believer in patient-centered outcomes, he has developed specialized protocols for elderly and diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Dr. Pillai is also a medical educator, regularly training surgeons in advanced surgical simulation environments.
Dr. Manish Hinduja
Specialization: CABG, TAVR, Minimally Invasive & Redo Cardiac Surgery
Experience: 20+ years with top-tier surgical outcomes
Hospital: Senior Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
Awards: Recognized by Fortis for clinical excellence
Dr. Hinduja is a new-generation cardiac surgeon combining clinical precision with empathy-driven care. He specializes in redo cardiac surgeries and complex valve replacements using minimally invasive techniques such as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement). He is widely appreciated for bridging advanced technologies with personalized care. Dr. Hinduja has published extensively on optimizing post-operative cardiac outcomes and reducing surgical trauma.
His research and procedural work are frequently cited in national cardiac surgery symposiums. He also collaborates with biomedical engineers to innovate surgical instruments for better procedural accuracy.
Dr. Muralidharan K V
Specialization: Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Neonatal Heart Defects, Valve Reconstruction
Experience: 25+ years in pediatric and congenital cardiac care
Hospital: Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bangalore
Awards: Pioneer in neonatal cardiac interventions
Dr. Muralidharan is one of India’s leading pediatric cardiac surgeons, known for his high success rates in operating on infants and neonates with critical congenital heart conditions. He is widely respected for developing customized surgical techniques tailored to tiny anatomical structures in infants.
At Narayana Health, he plays a vital role in their pediatric heart program, which serves thousands of children from across India and neighboring countries. His dedication has led to several charitable surgical missions and medical camps. He is also involved in long-term outcome studies on congenital cardiac repair patients.
Dr. Ajay Kaul
Specialization: Coronary Bypass, Aortic Valve Surgery, Minimally Invasive CABG
Experience: 35+ years in adult cardiac surgery
Hospital: Chairman, Cardiac Surgery, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
Awards: One of the most experienced CABG surgeons in India
Dr. Kaul has performed over 15,000 cardiac procedures, including a high volume of coronary bypass and aortic surgeries. A graduate of Germany’s prestigious Hannover Medical School, Dr. Kaul introduced techniques like MICS CABG and arterial grafting in India.
He focuses strongly on long-term graft patency and reduced hospital stay through minimal access surgery. Beyond surgery, he is a passionate academician, regularly hosting masterclasses and mentoring young surgeons. He is also engaged in clinical audits and quality assurance programs to enhance surgical outcomes across cardiac centers.
Dr. Vivek Jain
Specialization: Robotic Cardiac Surgery, Valve Repair, Hybrid Revascularization
Experience: 20+ years | Pioneer in robotic and hybrid procedures
Hospital: Senior Consultant, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
Awards: National pioneer in robotic valve surgery
Dr. Vivek Jain is among the first few cardiac surgeons in India to adopt and master robotic-assisted surgery. At Medanta, he leads a team that focuses on minimally invasive valve repairs and hybrid coronary interventions, combining interventional cardiology and surgical precision. He is passionate about reducing surgical trauma and improving cosmetic and recovery outcomes for patients. He has also authored several research papers on hybrid revascularization and is actively involved in AI-based post-op monitoring systems in cardiac ICUs. His ability to blend tech with patient-centric care has made him a favorite among international patients.
Common Surgeries Performed by India’s Leading Cardiac Surgeons
India’s top cardiac surgeons are skilled in performing a wide range of critical heart surgeries using advanced techniques and high-end facilities.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
CABG is widely done to treat blocked arteries. Indian surgeons, like Dr. Ramakanta Panda and Dr. Naresh Trehan, are known for handling high-risk cases with excellent outcomes using both on-pump and off-pump methods.
Heart Valve Replacement and Repair
This includes surgical or minimally invasive techniques to repair or replace damaged heart valves. Procedures like TAVR are common in leading cardiac centers across India.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS)
MICS is preferred for its small incisions, quick recovery, and low complications. It’s commonly used for valve repair, ASD closure, and selected bypass cases.
Congenital Heart Defect Repairs
From simple VSD closures to complex congenital conditions, India’s cardiac surgeons offer pediatric and adult heart defect surgeries with high precision and care.
Heart Transplants & Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
For end-stage heart failure, Indian hospitals offer heart transplants and advanced options like VADs and ECMO support, managed by experienced transplant teams.
Cost of Cardiac Surgery in India
Cardiac surgery in India is significantly more affordable compared to Western nations, while maintaining world-class quality and outcomes. A standard coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery typically costs between ₹1.5 to ₹5.5 lakhs. Valve repair or replacement procedures may range from ₹2 to ₹5 lakhs, depending on the type of valve, surgical approach, and hospital tier.
Leading hospitals also support cashless insurance facilities and provide dedicated international patient assistance programs, making treatment accessible for both domestic and global patients seeking quality heart care in India.
Top Cardiac Surgeons in Indian Metro cities
Best Cardiac Surgeons in Delhi
Delhi is home to some of the finest cardiac surgeons who are experts in both traditional and minimally invasive heart surgeries. If you are looking for highly experienced specialists, check out the Best Cardiac Surgeons in Delhi who excel in valve repair, coronary bypass, and advanced aortic surgeries with proven success rates.
Best Cardiac Surgeons in Mumbai
If you want to find the Top cardiac surgeon in Mumbai, explore this list of Best Cardiac Surgeons in Mumbai. These surgeons are known for pioneering beating-heart bypass surgeries, minimally invasive valve replacements, and robotic-assisted heart procedures, delivering excellent results with faster recovery times.
FAQs: Best Cardiac Surgeons in India
1. How do I choose the right cardiac surgeon in India?
Check for board certification, hospital reputation, years of experience, and specialization in procedures like CABG, valve, or pediatric surgeries.
2. Are Indian cardiac surgeons internationally trained?
Yes, most leading cardiac surgeons have trained or practiced in the US, UK, or Europe and follow global surgical standards.
3. How long is the recovery after heart surgery?
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 5–7 days post-surgery, with complete recovery in 6–8 weeks depending on the type of surgery.
4. Is cardiac surgery safe in India?
Yes, top hospitals in India offer state-of-the-art technology, experienced surgical teams, and international patient safety standards.
5. Can international patients book surgeries easily?
Yes, most hospitals have dedicated international patient services for online consultations, visa assistance, travel help, and accommodation.
6. What is the typical recovery time after cardiac surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure and the patient’s health. Typically, patients stay in the hospital for 5–7 days, followed by 6–8 weeks of home recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended to speed up recovery and improve outcomes.
7. Are there age restrictions for undergoing cardiac surgery?
There is no fixed age limit. Surgery is decided based on overall health, heart function, and risk-benefit analysis. Elderly patients often undergo successful surgeries with proper evaluation and care.
8. What are the risks associated with cardiac surgery?
Common risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, stroke, or anesthesia reactions. However, with modern surgical techniques and post-operative care, complication rates have significantly declined in India’s top cardiac centers.
9. How much does cardiac surgery cost in India?
The cost varies by procedure and hospital. On average:
• CABG: ₹1.5 to ₹3.5 lakhs
• Valve surgery: ₹2 to ₹5 lakhs
• Heart transplant: ₹20 to ₹30 lakhs
These rates are far more affordable than Western countries, with no compromise on quality.
10. What is minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS)?
MICS involves performing heart surgeries through small chest incisions, avoiding full sternotomy. It offers less pain, reduced blood loss, quicker recovery, and better cosmetic outcomes.
11. Can I resume normal activities after heart surgery?
Most patients return to daily routines within 6–12 weeks. Recovery depends on lifestyle, age, and the procedure. Doctors typically recommend light exercise and avoiding strenuous activities initially.
12. Is cardiac surgery in India safe for international patients?
Yes. India offers world-class cardiac care, English-speaking medical staff, international patient departments, and affordable packages—making it a preferred choice for overseas patients.
13. What is the success rate of cardiac surgeries in India?
India’s top cardiac hospitals report success rates of over 95% for surgeries like CABG and valve replacement, especially when performed by experienced surgeons in accredited institutions.
Patient Success Stories
Mr. Alan Thomas, United Kingdom:
"I was diagnosed with triple vessel coronary artery disease and advised immediate bypass surgery. After researching global options, I chose to undergo treatment in India under Dr. Ramakanta Panda at Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai. The pre-surgery counseling, modern infrastructure, and surgical precision far exceeded my expectations—even compared to private healthcare in the UK. Today, I’ve resumed my active lifestyle without complications. Choosing India saved my life and significantly reduced costs."
Read full coverage on Business Standard
Ms. Rina Wahyuni, Indonesia:
"My 4-year-old daughter was born with a complex congenital heart defect. After multiple consultations across Southeast Asia, we flew to India and met Dr. S. Radhakrishnan at Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai. The entire team’s compassionate approach and world-class pediatric cardiac care gave us hope. The surgery was a success, and today my daughter is living a normal, healthy life. I’m forever grateful."
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