About - Dr. Rajesh T R
Dr. Rajesh T R
Consultant Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon | Heart & Lung Transplant Specialist
About Dr. Rajesh T R
Dr. Rajesh T R is a distinguished Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon with over 21 years of profound clinical experience, currently serving as a Senior Consultant at KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences), Mahadevpura, Bangalore. Recognized as a pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and robotic cardiac surgery, Dr. Rajesh has established himself as a leading authority in complex heart and lung interventions across India. His journey in medical excellence is marked by a rigorous academic background and international training at some of the world's most prestigious medical institutions.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Rajesh T R has performed more than 5,000 cardiac surgeries, ranging from routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to highly intricate heart and lung transplantations. His surgical philosophy focuses on precision, patient safety, and the utilization of advanced technology to reduce recovery times and improve long-term outcomes. Patients seeking a heart transplant specialist in India or an expert in aortic aneurysm repair often turn to Dr. Rajesh for his meticulous approach and high success rates.
Before joining KIMS-Sunshine, Dr. Rajesh T R significantly contributed to the healthcare landscape in Bengaluru, where he served as the Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon at BGS Global Hospital for seven years. His tenure in Bangalore also included pivotal roles at Apollo Hospitals and Sakra World Hospital, where he spearheaded the development of advanced cardiac programs. His transition to KIMS has further expanded his reach, allowing him to bring world-class cardiothoracic care to a broader patient demographic, focusing on end-stage heart failure management and advanced lung care.
Key Stats & Information
- Years of Experience: 21+ Years
- Total Cardiac Surgeries: 5,000+ Procedures
- Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu
- Hospital Privileges: KIMS-(Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences), Mahadevpura, Bangalore.
- Board Certifications: M.Ch in Cardiothoracic Surgery (PGIMER, Chandigarh)
- Specialization: Heart & Lung Transplant, MICS, Robotic Cardiac Surgery
- Accepting New Patients: Yes
Medical Expertise & Specializations
Dr. Rajesh T R specializes in a comprehensive spectrum of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeries. His expertise is particularly noted in the field of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS), where he utilizes smaller incisions rather than traditional sternotomy. This approach is highly beneficial for patients, as it results in less pain, reduced risk of infection, and a significantly faster return to daily activities. His proficiency extends to Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery, providing a level of precision that is essential for delicate valve repairs and complex bypass procedures.
As a key member of the Heart and Lung Transplant team, Dr. Rajesh is at the forefront of treating end-stage organ failure. He is skilled in the implantation of Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) and Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), which serve as critical bridges to transplant or as long-term therapy for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. His commitment to surgical innovation is evidenced by his success in performing complex Aortic Aneurysm repairs and Bentall procedures, which require exceptional technical skill and a deep understanding of vascular hemodynamics.
Conditions Treated
Dr. Rajesh T R provides expert surgical intervention for a wide array of cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, including but not limited to:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Advanced stages requiring surgical intervention.
- Valvular Heart Diseases: Including Mitral, Aortic, and Tricuspid valve stenosis or regurgitation.
- End-Stage Heart Failure: Requiring transplants or mechanical circulatory support.
- End-Stage Lung Disease: Such as COPD, ILD, or Cystic Fibrosis requiring lung transplantation.
- Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: Critical vascular emergencies and chronic dilations.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Specifically cases requiring the surgical Maze procedure.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Adult congenital heart issues requiring surgical correction.
- Thoracic Pathologies: Conditions affecting the lungs and mediastinum requiring surgical resection.
Procedures Performed
Utilizing the latest surgical techniques, Dr. Rajesh T R performs the following procedures with a focus on high precision and optimal patient recovery:
- Minimally Invasive CABG (MICS CABG): Bypass surgery through small incisions.
- Heart Transplantation: Full replacement of the heart for end-stage failure.
- Single and Double Lung Transplantation: For patients with terminal pulmonary conditions.
- Robotic Heart Surgery: Using advanced robotic systems for valve and bypass work.
- Mitral Valve Repair and Replacement: Restoring function to the heart's mitral valve.
- Aortic Valve Replacement: Specifically using modern bioprosthetic or mechanical valves.
- Bentall Procedure: Composite graft replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta.
- VAD (Ventricular Assist Device) Implantation: Mechanical pumps to support heart function.
- ECMO Initiation: Life support for severe heart and lung failure.
- Redo Cardiac Surgeries: Complex secondary operations for patients who have had previous heart surgery.
Education and Training
The academic foundation of Dr. Rajesh T R is built upon prestigious institutions and international fellowships, ensuring his practice aligns with global healthcare standards. His specialized training at the Mayo Clinic in the USA significantly influenced his surgical techniques, particularly in the realm of advanced heart failure and complex cardiac reconstructions.
- Fellowship in Advanced Cardiac Surgery: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA (2007 – 2009). Focus on complex heart failure and transplantation.
- M.Ch in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. One of India's premier surgical training programs.
- MS in General Surgery: JJM Medical College, Davangere, Karnataka.
- MBBS: Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Bellary, Karnataka.
Professional Memberships
Dr. Rajesh is an active member of several elite international and national surgical societies, which keeps him at the cutting edge of cardiovascular advancements:
- IACTS: Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons.
- EACTS: European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
- STS: Society of Thoracic Surgeons, USA.
- ISHLT: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the benefits of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) with Dr. Rajesh T R?
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) offers several advantages over traditional open-heart surgery. Because Dr. Rajesh uses smaller incisions between the ribs rather than breaking the breastbone (sternum), patients experience significantly less post-operative pain, a lower risk of wound infection, and minimal scarring. Most patients undergoing MICS at KIMS-Sunshine can expect a shorter hospital stay and a much faster return to their normal lifestyle, often within two to three weeks compared to the traditional two-month recovery period.
Who is a candidate for a heart transplant in India?
A heart transplant is typically considered for patients with end-stage heart failure for whom conventional medical therapies or standard surgeries (like CABG or valve repair) are no longer effective. Candidates are usually those with severe symptoms of heart failure (Class III or IV NYHA), a significantly reduced ejection fraction, or those requiring continuous intravenous inotropic support. Dr. Rajesh T R performs a comprehensive evaluation, including pulmonary function tests, psychosocial assessments, and compatibility screening, to determine if a transplant is the best course of action.
What is a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) and how does it help?
A Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that is surgically implanted to help a weakened heart pump blood to the rest of the body. Dr. Rajesh T R utilizes VADs in two primary ways: as a "bridge to transplant," keeping a patient stable until a donor heart becomes available, or as "destination therapy" for patients who are not eligible for a transplant but need long-term mechanical support to live a functional life. These devices significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure.
How long is the recovery period after a lung transplant?
Recovery from a lung transplant is a gradual process. Patients typically spend 7 to 14 days in the hospital, with the first few days in the intensive care unit (ICU) under the supervision of Dr. Rajesh's transplant team. Full recovery and rehabilitation can take three to six months. During this time, patients must adhere to a strict regimen of immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation to strengthen the new lungs and the respiratory muscles.
Does Dr. Rajesh T R perform robotic-assisted bypass surgery?
Yes, Dr. Rajesh T R is an expert in Robotic Cardiac Surgery. Using advanced robotic platforms, he can perform coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with extreme precision through tiny ports. This technology provides the surgeon with a high-definition, 3D view of the heart and greater maneuverability than the human hand, which is especially useful for complex grafting in narrow spaces. This approach further reduces surgical trauma and speeds up the healing process.
What is the success rate of heart valve repair vs. replacement?
Dr. Rajesh T R generally prioritizes heart valve repair over replacement whenever possible, especially for the mitral valve. Repairing the patient's own valve often results in better long-term heart function, a lower risk of infection (endocarditis), and removes the lifelong need for blood-thinning medications required by mechanical valves. However, when the valve is too damaged, he performs highly successful valve replacements using the latest tissue or mechanical valve technologies, tailoring the choice to the patient’s age and lifestyle.
Can patients with multiple previous heart surgeries see Dr. Rajesh?
Yes, Dr. Rajesh T R specializes in Redo Cardiac Surgery. These are complex cases where a patient has already undergone one or more heart operations. Re-operating on the heart is technically challenging due to scar tissue (adhesions). With his 21+ years of experience and training at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Rajesh has the expertise to navigate these complexities safely, whether for a second bypass, a valve issue, or a subsequent transplant.
What is the Bentall procedure and when is it necessary?
The Bentall procedure is a complex cardiac surgery used to treat patients with combined disease of the aortic valve and the aortic root, often seen in cases of Marfan syndrome or aortic dissection. Dr. Rajesh T R replaces the aortic valve, the aortic root, and the ascending aorta, and then re-implants the coronary arteries into the graft. It is a life-saving procedure for patients with significant aortic aneurysms that threaten to rupture.
Is ECMO a permanent solution for heart or lung failure?
No, ECMO (Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a temporary life-support system. It acts as an artificial heart and lung to oxygenate the blood outside the body. Dr. Rajesh uses ECMO as a "bridge" to allow the patient's own organs to recover or to keep a patient stable while waiting for a heart or lung transplant. It provides critical time for the medical team to stabilize a patient during an acute crisis.
Why should I choose Dr. Rajesh T R for cardiovascular surgery?
Choosing Dr. Rajesh T R ensures you are under the care of a surgeon with international pedigree (Mayo Clinic) and over two decades of local expertise. His high volume of surgeries (over 5,000) translates to refined skill and clinical judgment. Furthermore, his association with KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences), Mahadevpura, Bangalore. ensures access to cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advanced cardiac and thoracic care in India.
Ready to Consult with Dr. Rajesh T R?
Seeking advanced cardiovascular care or organ transplant surgery requires a specialist with a proven track record. Dr. Rajesh T R’s extensive training and thousands of successful procedures make him a premier choice for patients worldwide. PlacidWay facilitates your journey to world-class medical care by connecting you directly with top-tier specialists like Dr. Rajesh.
Contact PlacidWay today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Rajesh T R at KIMS-(Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences), Mahadevpura, Bangalore.. Whether you are inquiring about minimally invasive surgery, heart failure management, or transplant options, our team is here to provide you with seamless assistance, personalized quotes, and comprehensive support for your medical travel needs.
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