Cardiac surgery in India has been radically transformed in the last few decades. From the era when just a handful of cities had open-heart surgeries to today, when intricate procedures are done with accuracy all over the country, the industry has rapidly developed. Improved medical technology, improved awareness among patients, and trained specialists have enabled thousands of people to live healthier lives. In this extremely specialized field, Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam has become a name to reckon with in cardiothoracic surgery. As a Clinical Director and Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, he is renowned for his unparalleled surgical experience and passion for patient care.

Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam hails from a humble village in Andhra Pradesh. His mother was a homemaker, while his father was a section officer. Though they were limited financially, he went for medicine with strong resolve, motivated by family members in the health field and with Ayurveda being a part of the family life.

His interest in the intricate workings of the human heart and his passion for healing led him to choose cardiothoracic surgery, a specialty that was still emerging at the time. Having started his career as an Assistant Professor in Cardiac Surgery in SVIMS at Tirupati, he worked with well-known hospitals, such as Mediciti Hospital, before joining CARE Hospitals.

He has performed more than 15,000 coronary bypass surgeries over the years and gained a reputation of treating some of the most difficult heart conditions. “I preferred cardiac surgery because I was of the view that it would help me bring about a significant impact on the lives of people. In retrospect, I’m satisfied that I pursued that calling”, states Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam.

From Medical Foundations to Global Expertise in Surgical Vision

Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam started his academic journey at Guntur Medical College, where he earned his MBBS from 1978 to 1982. He went on to complete his MS in General Surgery from Andhra University, Vizag, from 1984 to 1986. His interest in heart surgery prompted him to further specialize and earn an MCh in Cardiothoracic Surgery from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, in 1992.

Along the way, he kept adding to his skills by attending and presenting at renowned global forums. His global exposure also involves participating in workshops and conferences in France, Hong Kong, Germany, Belgium, the US, Sweden, the Philippines, and other. Some

of these are the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. He was also a STARR-AHMED fellow at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Portland, in Oregon, USA, where he gained profound knowledge of advanced techniques and later incorporated them in India.

Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam is renowned for his acumen in mitral valve repairs, coronary bypass grafting, valve replacements, and complex conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pulmonary, especially managing diffuse coronary artery disease, thromboendarterectomy, and aortic dissections. His passion for mitral valve repair stands out, having performed more than 800 of those procedures. He was also involved in several cases in heart transplant and Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation. What sets his method apart is a strong dedication to patient-centered care. He thinks that each patient should know all of their options, and he frequently advises getting second opinions. From whether to have medical management, stenting, or surgery, he makes sure patients are a part of the decision-making process.

My goal is not only to stay updated but to bring the future of cardiac surgery into present-day practice for both patients and young doctors learning the craft

Teamwork, Technology & Transforming Techniques

Every successful surgeon has a solid team behind him or her, and Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam acknowledges his surgical team, anesthetists, ICU teams, and nursing staff. His leadership fosters teamwork to ensure that even the most complex cases are treated with precision and tenderness. Perhaps one of the largest changes in cardiac surgery over the decades has been the transition toward minimally invasive procedures. He has completed over 300 minimal access CABG procedures. These operations provide reduced hospital stays, quicker recovery, and less risk of complications. His expertise in both the conventional and new techniques enables him to manage a variety of cases ranging from simple bypasses to operations with complex coronary artery disease and widespread blockages.

He also discusses how technology has revolutionized outcomes by leaps and bounds. What was once highrisk operations decades ago are now standard based on advances in imaging, surgical instruments, and monitoring of the patient. Operations like Bentall’s procedure and frozen elephant trunk, which were once deemed as very complex, are now part of his surgical repertoire. One notable case was a 70-year-old patient who was in cardiogenic shock secondary to an aortic dissection.

Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam successfully conducted a 14- hour emergency Bentall’s surgery coupled with frozen elephant trunk technique and rescued the patient’s life in a testament to ability, teamwork, and new-age medical support systems. He emphasizes continuous learning for staying in the forefront. He keeps attending training courses and brings international experts to CARE Hospitals to teach techniques. Hands-on learning makes his team keep updated with the latest know-how.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Dr G Rama Subrahmanyam is keen to venture into robotic-assisted surgeries, which provide unparalleled accuracy and minimal incisions, reducing recovery times even further. He considers the incorporation of robotics as the key that will define the next phase of cardiac care in India. Concomitantly, he continues to mentor young surgeons, sharing his knowledge and values to perpetuate continuity of excellence in cardiaccare.

Awards & Recognition:

•STARR-AHMED Fellow, awarded by the Indian Association of Cardio vascular Thoracic Surgeons (2000)
•Editorial Board Member-Enliven: Surgery and Transplantation

Publications

•Annals of Thoracic Surgery – Contributions in 1995,1996, and 1997
•Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery – Featured articles in 2007, 2016, 2019 and
2024