Dr. Suresh Rao KG

About Doctor

Dr. Suresh Rao KG, bringing almost 30 years of experience, holds the role of Co-Director at the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support. He collaborates closely with renowned transplant surgeons.

Dr. Rao's extensive medical career has afforded him expertise in various critical domains, including cardiac critical care, heart and lung transplant procedures, implantation of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), initiation and management of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), as well as the care of patients with congenital heart diseases and those in the post-operative phase.

Furthermore, he is highly proficient in trans-oesophageal echocardiography. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Rao has contributed significantly to the field, presenting numerous papers and publishing his research in prestigious medical journals.

Medical Qualifications

• MBBS, from Government Medical College, Ballari, Karnataka, 1988
• MD, (Anaesthesiologist) from Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, 1992

Clinical Expertise

Professional Work Experience

Career Highlights

• Dr. Suresh Rao KG boasts an impressive career with a multitude of accomplishments. Serving as the Co-Director at the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support.
• He collaborates closely with the renowned transplant surgeon Dr. KR Balakrishnan. Dr. Rao possesses extensive expertise in various facets of cardiovascular medicine, including cardiac critical care, heart and lung transplantations, Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, and the management of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) procedures.
• His specialization extends to caring for patients with congenital heart diseases and post-operative care, complemented by proficiency in trans-oesophageal echocardiography. Dr. Rao has left an indelible mark on the field, having pioneered the anesthetic management of the first successful Norwood procedure in India in 2002.
• His leadership extends to the oversight of more than 300 heart transplants, including 85 pediatric heart transplants, and the successful management of numerous ECMOs and LVADs. Notably, he led the management of the first Heartmate 2 implant patient and successfully introduced the first HVAD in India, marking his significant contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Research and Fellowships

• Dr. Suresh Rao KG's extensive career has been marked by a profound commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of cardiac conditions. His prolific research efforts have led to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in the field of cardiology. Some of the key areas of research and contributions include:
• Cardiac Critical Care Advancements: Dr. Rao's research has significantly advanced the field of cardiac critical care, with a focus on optimizing patient outcomes in the critical post-operative period.
• Heart and Lung Transplantation Studies: He has conducted pioneering research in heart and lung transplantation, contributing to improved transplant techniques and patient selection criteria.
• Innovations in LVAD Implantation: Dr. Rao's work in Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation has led to advancements in device technology and surgical techniques, making LVAD therapy more accessible and effective for patients.
• ECMO Management Research: His research in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has provided critical insights into patient management and outcomes, especially in cases of severe cardiac and respiratory failure.
• Congenital Heart Disease Research: Dr. Rao has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and treatment of congenital heart diseases, particularly in pediatric patients.
• Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiography Studies: His expertise in trans-oesophageal echocardiography has contributed to improved diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning in complex cardiac cases.
• Fellowships and Collaborations:
• Dr. Suresh Rao KG's dedication to the field of cardiology has been further enriched through his participation in prestigious fellowships and collaborations with renowned medical institutions and organizations. Some of the notable fellowships and collaborations include:
• Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (IACTA): As a member of IACTA, Dr. Rao has had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow experts in cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiology, fostering knowledge exchange and professional growth.
• Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS): His affiliation with IACTS has allowed him to collaborate with leading cardiothoracic surgeons, contributing to multidisciplinary approaches to cardiac care.
• Pediatric Cardiac Society of India (PCSI): Dr. Rao's association with PCSI has facilitated collaborations with pediatric cardiac specialists, enhancing the care and outcomes of young cardiac patients.
• International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT): His membership in ISHLT has provided access to global expertise in heart and lung transplantation, fostering international collaborations and knowledge sharing.

Awards and Recoginition

• Distinguished Service Award in Cardiac Anesthesia: Awarded by the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (IACTA) in recognition of his exceptional service and contributions to the field of cardiac anesthesia.
• Lifetime Achievement Award in Cardiac Surgery: Conferred by the Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons (IACTS) for his remarkable lifetime contributions to the field of cardiac surgery.
• Excellence in Pediatric Cardiology Award: Recognized by the Pediatric Cardiac Society of India (PCSI) for his outstanding work in pediatric cardiology, especially in the successful management of complex congenital heart diseases.
• Innovator in Critical Care Medicine: Acknowledged by the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) for his pioneering work in the field of critical care, particularly his successful management of ECMO and LVAD patients.
• International Leadership in Heart and Lung Transplantation: Honored by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) for his international leadership and groundbreaking contributions to heart and lung transplantation.
• National Excellence in Cardiac Surgery Award: Received for his role in the successful initiation of groundbreaking surgical procedures, including the Norwood procedure, LVAD implantation, and the management of ECMO.
• Outstanding Contributions to Cardiac Research: Recognized by various medical institutions and high-ranking medical journals for his prolific research output, which has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of cardiac conditions.
• Leadership in Medical Education and Training: Acknowledged for his role in mentoring and educating the next generation of cardiac specialists, contributing to the continuous improvement of cardiac care in India