Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan

About Doctor

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan is a renowned Cardiac Surgeon based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years. He stands among India's foremost cardiothoracic surgeons and heart-lung transplant specialists.

Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan is highly regarded for his evidence-based approach to healthcare and his refined clinical expertise in surgical practices.

His areas of specialization encompass the management of end-stage heart failure, including heart transplants and VAD implantations, as well as pediatric cardiac surgery, lung transplants, and heart and lung transplants.

His groundbreaking work has earned him numerous awards, and his research has graced the pages of some of the most prestigious medical journals.

Medical Qualifications

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

Clinical Expertise

Professional Work Experience

• Senior Registrar to Sir Brian Baratt-Boyes, Cardio Thoracic Unit, Green Lane Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand in 1987-1988.
• Fellow in Cardiac Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences at the Univeristy and St. Vincent Hospital, Portland, Oregon with Dr. Albert Starr in the year 1989-90.
• Specialist Cardiac Surgeon at Railway Hospital, Perambur, Madras from June 1990 to August 1994.

Career Highlights

• Dr. K. R. Balakrishnan a cardiac Surgeon, has Over 30 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery and heart-lung transplants.
• He completed over 503 heart transplants, establishing himself as an industry leader
• Awarded the prestigious Hiralal Gold Medal for surgical excellence
• Notable contributions to the medical field, including articles, book chapters, and conference presentations
• Pioneering achievements, including India's first permanent artificial heart transplant with HeartMate II LVAD and the highest number of heart transplants in the country.

Awards and Recoginition

• Awarded a distinction in M.Ch which was first ever awarded by Bombay University in Cardio Thoracic Speciality.
• Hiralal gold medal in surgery, awarded by AIIMS, New Delhi, India in 1980.
• First Prize in surgery (1976), awarded by the Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India.
• Awarded the First at the University of Medicine by the University of Madras.
• First Rank and distinction in cardiothoracic board finals at the University of Bombay.
• Awarded as First at the University of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the year 1976 by the University of Madras.