Top Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons in India | Most Trusted Heart Surgeons

Childhood heart conditions require highly specialized care, advanced surgical expertise, and a compassionate, family-centered approach. Choosing the right pediatric cardiac surgeon is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. India has become a global destination for pediatric cardiac surgery due to its highly skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and excellent clinical outcomes.

In this blog, we highlight some of the top pediatric cardiac surgeons in India who are known for their exceptional surgical outcomes, innovative techniques, and decades of experience in treating complex congenital heart diseases. Whether your child needs corrective surgery, minimally invasive procedures, or advanced cardiac care, this curated list will help you make an informed choice.

Why Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons in India Are Highly Preferred

India is globally recognized for its excellence in pediatric cardiac care. Several factors make the country a preferred choice for families seeking high-quality treatment for congenital heart defects:

• High surgical success rates: Pediatric cardiac centers in India consistently achieve strong outcomes, even in complex newborn and infant surgeries.
• Internationally trained experts: Many surgeons have trained or worked at leading institutions in the U.S., U.K., Europe, and Australia, bringing global expertise to India.
• Advanced pediatric cardiac ICUs: Hospitals are equipped with dedicated pediatric cardiac ICUs, hybrid cath labs, ECMO support, and specialized neonatal care units.
• Affordable treatment options: Compared to Western countries, India offers world-class pediatric cardiac surgery at significantly lower costs, making advanced care more accessible.
• Comprehensive care teams: Treatment is supported by multidisciplinary teams including pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, intensivists, perfusionists, and specialized nurses.

Top Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons in India (By Region)

North India

1. Dr. Krishna S. Iyer – New Delhi

Executive Director of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute With over 46 years of experience.

Dr. Iyer is one of India’s most respected pediatric cardiac surgeons.

He established North India’s first dedicated pediatric cardiac program and has treated some of the most complex congenital heart defects in newborns and infants.

2. Dr. Ashish Katewa – New Delhi

Dr. Ashish Katewa is the Head of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, and is considered one of the most trusted specialists for children with congenital heart defects. With over 14 years of experience and more than 6,000 pediatric and neonatal heart surgeries to his credit, he has earned a strong reputation for delivering excellent outcomes in both routine and high-risk cases.

Dr. Katewa specializes in: 

• Neonatal cardiac surgery
• Pediatric cardiac surgery
• High-risk congenital defects
• Root translocations

He is known for excellent surgical outcomes and advanced surgical planning.

3. Dr. Kulbhushan Singh Dagar – New Delhi

Principal Director and Chief Surgeon at Max Healthcare.

With 31 years of experience.

Dr. Dagar is renowned for managing complicated neonatal and infant heart defects with precision.

4. Dr. Aseem Ranjan Srivastava – Gurugram

Senior Consultant, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Artemis Hospital.

Trained at leading children’s hospitals in the United States, Dr. Srivastava brings expertise in:

• Minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery
• Robotic-assisted techniques
• Complex congenital defect corrections

5. Dr. Rajesh Sharma – Delhi

Director & Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Apollo Hospital

With 30+ years of experience and more than 20,000 surgeries.

He is treating complex structural heart anomalies in children.

West India

1. Dr. Suresh Rao – Mumbai

Director of the Children’s Heart Centre at Kokilaben Hospital. With 35 years of experience and over 5,000 procedures.

Dr. Rao is known globally for:

• Neonatal cardiac surgery
• High-risk congenital heart conditions
• Complex reconstructive surgeries

2. Dr. Vijay Agarwal – Mumbai

Director and Head of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Fortis Mulund.

Performs around 500 surgeries annually, including complex newborn procedures.

He has trained at prestigious institutions in India and abroad, with expertise in:

• Neonatal cardiac surgery
• Complex congenital heart defects
• Advanced surgical innovations

South India

1. Dr. Neville Solomon – Chennai

A senior pediatric cardiac surgeon at Apollo Children’s Hospital.

He specializes in:

• Complex valve repairs
• Neonatal surgeries
• Outreach and charitable cardiac programs

He has contributed significantly to improving access to quality pediatric heart care.

2. Dr. Nageswara Rao Koneti – Hyderabad

Chief Pediatric Cardiologist at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute.

A respected name in pediatric cardiology, he leads a specialized team dedicated to diagnosing and treating congenital heart disease.

Known for clinical expertise and child-friendly care.

Types of Pediatric Cardiac Surgeries Performed

Pediatric cardiac surgeons in India perform a wide range of surgeries to treat congenital and structural heart defects in newborns, infants, and children. Some of the most commonly performed procedures include:

• ASD / VSD Closure: Surgical or device-based closure of atrial and ventricular septal defects to correct abnormal openings in the heart walls.
• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) Repair: A complex procedure that corrects four heart abnormalities, improving oxygen flow in children with cyanotic heart disease.
• Arterial Switch Operation: A lifesaving surgery performed mainly in newborns with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), restoring normal blood circulation.
• Pediatric Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: Procedures to repair or replace damaged valves such as the mitral, tricuspid, or aortic valve.
• Fontan Procedure: A specialized surgery for children with single-ventricle defects, allowing blood to flow directly to the lungs without passing through the heart.
• Minimally Invasive Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: Smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced pain for selected heart conditions.
• Neonatal Heart Surgery: Highly specialized surgeries performed on newborn babies with critical and life-threatening congenital defects.

How to Choose the Best Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon

When selecting a pediatric cardiac surgeon, consider:

• Experience with complex congenital heart defects
• Success rates in neonatal and pediatric cardiac surgeries
• Expertise in minimally invasive or robotic surgical techniques
• Strong pediatric cardiac ICU and hospital infrastructure
• Clear communication and family-friendly approach

The best surgeon often depends on your child’s specific condition, age, and the location where you can access care.

Pediatric heart conditions require expert care from skilled surgeons. India is home to some of the most experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons who combine precision, compassion, and advanced medical techniques. Whether your child needs neonatal surgery or correction of a congenital defect, choosing the right surgeon is a crucial step toward better outcomes and long-term health. By choosing the right specialist, you ensure your child is in the best hands improving outcomes, recovery, and long-term quality of life.

This list serves as a helpful starting point for families seeking trusted pediatric cardiac specialists across India.