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47 Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan

Chairman – Cardiac Sciences

MGM Healthcare, Chennai
40 years of experience
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About Doctor

Qualifications:
  • MBBS – Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry (1976)
  • MS (General Surgery) – All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (1980)
  • MCh (Cardiothoracic Surgery) – King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Mumbai (1982)​
Overview:

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan is a globally renowned cardiothoracic and transplant surgeon with over 40 years of clinical excellence. He is a pioneer in heart and lung transplantation in India and has led some of the country’s most complex cardiac procedures. His expertise spans end-stage heart failure management, paediatric cardiac surgery, ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, and combined heart-lung transplantation.

Dr. Balakrishnan has been instrumental in establishing India’s first comprehensive heart failure management program and is credited with performing the country’s first permanent artificial heart transplant using the HeartMate II LVAD. He has also co-invented the dual poppet heart valve in collaboration with Dr. Albert Starr, holding a U.S. patent for the innovation.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Balakrishnan has received numerous accolades, including:

  • Hiralal Gold Medal – for excellence in surgery
  • Best Doctor Award – Government of Tamil Nadu (2017)
  • FICCI Special Jury Award (2017)
  • Double Helical National Health Award (2017)

He is an esteemed member of the Indian Medical Association and has contributed extensively to medical literature through publications and presentations at national and international forums.

Conditions Treated

  • End-stage heart failure
  • Congenital heart diseases (e.g., TAPVR, AV canal defects)
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Valvular heart diseases
  • Aortic aneurysms and dissections
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Lung failure requiring transplantation

Procedures Performed

  • Heart transplantation
  • Lung transplantation
  • Combined heart-lung transplantation
  • Ventricular assist device (LVAD/HVAD) implantation
  • Paediatric cardiac surgeries
  • Valve repair and replacement
  • Aortic root replacement and Ross procedure
  • Congenital heart defect repairs
  • Cardiac pacing and ablation
  • Balloon mitral valvuloplasty

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FAQs

Dr. Balakrishnan specializes in cardiothoracic surgery with a focus on heart and lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and paediatric cardiac surgery.

You can book an appointment directly through MGM Healthcare. Alternatively, for international patients, HOSPIDIO offers assistance in scheduling consultations. Please contact us at [email protected] or call/WhatsApp at +91-9870538337.

Dr. Balakrishnan has performed over 20,000 heart surgeries, including India's first LVAD and HVAD implants. He leads the country's largest heart transplant program and has been recognized for his contributions to cardiac surgery.

Yes, Dr. Balakrishnan has extensive experience treating patients from around the world, including countries like Russia, Africa, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Pakistan, USA, and Bangladesh.

Dr. Balakrishnan's heart transplant program boasts one of the highest success rates in India, reflecting his expertise and the comprehensive care provided at MGM Healthcare.