A heart transplant is one of the most complex and life-saving surgical procedures in modern medicine. It involves replacing a diseased or failing heart with a healthy donor’s heart. While choosing the right hospital is critical, the skill and experience of the heart transplant surgeon are equally important to ensure the best outcomes.
India has emerged as a global destination for advanced cardiac care and heart transplant surgery — thanks to world-renowned surgeons who combine expertise, innovation, and compassionate care. This article highlights India’s top heart transplant surgeons, their specialties, achievements, and why they are trusted by patients from India and abroad.
1. Dr. Naresh Trehan – Medanta, Gurgaon
- Position: Chairman & Managing Director
- Hospital: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- Specialization: Cardiovascular & Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Experience: 40+ years
Dr. Naresh Trehan is one of India’s most respected cardiac surgeons with decades of experience in heart surgery, including heart transplant procedures. His leadership, clinical skill, and international training have made him a pioneer in cardiac care. He has performed thousands of cardiac surgeries and is widely trusted for complex cardiac cases.
Why Dr. Trehan?
✔ Extensive experience in heart transplant & cardiovascular surgery
✔ Advanced surgical techniques
✔ High success rates — trusted by national & international patients
2. Dr. Ramakanta Panda – Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
- Position: Vice Chairman & Managing Director
- Hospital: Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
- Specialization: Cardiac & Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Experience: 30+ years
Dr. Ramakanta Panda is internationally recognized for his exceptional skills in cardiac surgery. With a strong track record of handling critical cases, he has performed thousands of surgeries and is known for his high success rates and low complication rates.
What Makes Him Stand Out?
✔ Leading cardiac surgeon in India
✔ Expertise in complex heart procedures
✔ Successful heart transplant outcomes
3. Dr. K R Balakrishnan – MGM Healthcare, Chennai
- Hospital: MGM Healthcare, Chennai
- Specialization: Heart Transplant & Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
- Experience: 30+ years
Dr. K R Balakrishnan is a respected surgeon and transplant specialist known for his work with heart failure patients and transplant programs in India. He has contributed significantly to advancing heart transplant techniques and outcomes.
Highlights of His Career:
✔ Expert in LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) implantations
✔ Leader in heart transplant care in South India
✔ High success in complex cardiac surgeries
4. Dr. Z. S. Meharwal – Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi
- Hospital: Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi
- Specialization: Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
- Experience: 40+ years
Dr. Z S Meharwal is one of India’s most experienced cardiac surgeons. With thousands of surgeries under his belt, he is a trusted name in heart transplant and cardiovascular surgery. His extensive experience and leadership make him a top choice for serious cardiac conditions.
Top Strengths:
✔ Vast experience in heart transplantation
✔ Skilled in managing complicated heart cases
✔ Trusted by patients nationwide
5. Dr. Sandeep Attawar – Fortis & KIMS Hospitals
- Position: Director – Cardiac Surgery & Transplantation
- Specialization: Heart & Lung Transplant Surgery
- Experience: 30+ years
Dr. Sandeep Attawar is a leading transplant surgeon, especially known for heart and lung transplant procedures. He has performed thousands of cardiac surgeries and is recognized for handling both adult and pediatric transplant cases effectively.
Why He Is Recommended:
✔ Heart & lung transplant expert
✔ High volume of successful surgeries
✔ Strong clinical expertise
6. Dr. B. N. Das – Apollo Hospitals, Delhi
- Hospital: Apollo Hospitals, Delhi
- Specialization: Cardiothoracic & Heart Transplant Surgery
- Experience: 35+ years
Dr. B. N. Das is known for his vast experience in heart surgery and for performing high-risk transplant procedures. With a long history of cardiac care excellence, he remains a trusted surgeon for heart transplant patients.
Key Strengths:
✔ Over 20,000 cardiac surgeries
✔ Experienced transplant specialist
✔ Track record in advanced cardiac treatments
7. Dr. Girinath M.R. – Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Hospital: Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Specialization: Cardiac Surgery & Transplants
- Experience: 50+ years
Dr. Girinath M.R. is one of India’s most veteran cardiac surgeons with decades of experience in complex heart surgeries. His long and distinguished career has helped shape modern cardiac care in the country.
Why He Is Notable:
✔ Decades of clinical excellence in cardiac care
✔ High number of successful surgeries
✔ Mentored many cardiac professionals
8. Dr. Manoj Durairaj – Pune
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Specialization: Heart Transplant & Cardiac Surgery
- Experience: Senior specialist in heart transplant
Dr. Manoj Durairaj is among the top surgeons in western India, known for performing the first successful heart transplant in the region. His expertise in transplant surgery and patient care has made him a respected figure in the cardiac community.
Achievements:
✔ Pioneer heart transplant surgeon in Pune
✔ Experienced in LVAD and transplant programs
✔ Strong leadership in cardiac surgery
9. Dr. Dhiren Shah – CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Hospital: CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Specialization: Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
- Experience: Senior cardiac surgeon
Dr. Dhiren Shah is well-known in western India for his contributions to heart transplant and cardiac care. He led one of the first successful transplant programs in Gujarat and continues to provide advanced surgical care.
Why He’s Recognized:
✔ Leader in regional transplant programs
✔ Skilled in complex cardiac surgeries
✔ Trusted by patients throughout western India
10. Dr. Nagamalesh U M – Bengaluru
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Specialization: Heart Transplant & Interventional Cardiology
- Experience: 30+ years
Dr. Nagamalesh is a renowned heart transplant surgeon with extensive experience in both surgical and interventional cardiac procedures. His balanced expertise makes him a top choice for patients needing heart transplant solutions.
Top Attributes:
✔ Strong clinical outcomes
✔ Experience in advanced cardiac interventions
✔ High patient satisfaction
11. Dr. D. Senthil Kumar – Rela Hospital, Chennai
- Hospital: Rela Hospital, Chennai
- Specialization: Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
- Experience: 18+ years
Dr. Senthil Kumar is an experienced transplant surgeon known for modern and minimally invasive cardiac procedures. He plays an important role in transplant development programs in southern India.
Highlights:
✔ Skilled in transplant and vascular procedures
✔ Strong clinical practice
✔ High focus on patient care
Why These Surgeons Are Considered the Best
✔ Extensive Experience: Many have 30–50+ years in cardiac surgery.
✔ High Success Rates: Thousands of successful heart surgeries and transplants.
✔ Advanced Skills: Expertise in transplant, LVAD, VAD, and complex procedures.
✔ Recognition & Awards: Many national and international honors.
✔ Global Trust: Patients from around the world choose these specialists.
What Makes a Great Heart Transplant Surgeon?
When choosing a heart transplant surgeon, patients should consider these key factors:
✔ Experience
More years of practice often translate into better surgical outcomes.
✔ Volume of Transplants Performed
Surgeons with a high number of transplant cases usually have refined skills.
✔ Specialized Training
International training or fellowship in transplant surgery is a plus.
✔ Hospital Support
Top surgeons work with well-equipped cardiac centers with strong ICU support.
✔ Patient Reviews & Success Stories
Real patient feedback helps in evaluating surgeon quality.
Conclusion
Selecting the right heart transplant surgeon is vital for a successful outcome. India is home to many exceptional cardiac surgeons who are recognized locally and internationally for their expertise in heart transplant surgery.
Whether you are a domestic patient or coming from abroad, these surgeons — with their proven track records — represent the best options for heart transplant care in India.