Dr. Viveka Kumar

Dr. Viveka Kumar: A Doyen of Cardiology – A Profile of Unparalleled Achievement and Compassion

Dr Viveka Kumar stands as an undisputed titan in the realm of interventional cardiology, a physician whose career is a testament to unwavering dedication, pioneering spirit, and profound compassion. With over three decades of relentless service, he has not only transformed countless lives through cutting-edge cardiac interventions, but has also profoundly influenced the landscape of cardiology through his leadership, teaching, and research. Currently serving as the Principal Director & Chief of Cath Labs (Pan) at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, Dr Kumar’s illustrious journey is adorned with a multitude of honours, awards, and ground-breaking achievements.

Dr Kumar’s extensive qualifications include MD, DM, FSCAI, FACC, FECS, APFIC, and FRCP (Edin), complemented by advanced training in the UK. His clinical prowess encompasses a wide array of cardiac procedures, including angiography, multi-vessel angioplasty, pacemaker implantation, and balloon valvotomy. He is particularly recognized as a TAVI expert, specializing in transcatheter aortic valve implantation, offering a minimally invasive option for high-risk patients. His pioneering spirit is further evidenced by performing the first Subcutaneous AICD implantation in India and holding the record for the maximum number of AICD and leadless pacemaker implants in the nation.

A Pillar of Clinical Excellence and Pioneering Interventions:

Dr. Kumar’s clinical expertise is vast and unparalleled. He is recognized for performing an astounding 50,000+ cardiac interventions, including over 30,001 angioplasties and more than 7,500 PTCA and Complex Interventions such as Rotablation, Left Main stenting, and Bifurcation stenting. His proficiency extends to a wide array of sophisticated procedures, encompassing electrophysiology, RF ablation, cryo-ablation, cool tip ablation, ICD and CRT implantation, device/lead extraction, coronary and peripheral angioplasty, renal and carotid angioplasty, radial artery route angiograms, and balloon valvotomy.

A true pioneer, Dr Kumar is a highly sought-after TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) expert, offering a minimally invasive lifeline to patients deemed high or intermediate risk for traditional valve replacement. His innovative spirit is further highlighted by several national firsts and records:

• He performed the first Subcutaneous AICD (Automated Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) implantation in India.
• He holds the record for the maximum number of AICD implants in India.
• He is credited with the highest number of leadless pacemaker implants in the nation.

His expertise also encompasses other structural heart disease procedures like TMVR (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair) and LAA (Left Atrial Appendage) Occlusion, showcasing his commitment to adopting and mastering the latest advancements in cardiac care.

Distinguished Leadership and Professional Acumen:

Beyond the cath lab, Dr. Kumar is a respected leader in the medical community. He is the President of the Indian Medical Association, New Delhi Branch (IMA-NDB) – a role through which he actively advocates the well-being of medical professionals and contributes to critical discussions on public health. His influence extends globally through his fellowships and memberships in prestigious international and national bodies, signifying his commitment to global best practices and collaborative advancement in cardiology:

• FSCAI (Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions)
• FACC (Fellow of the American College of Cardiology)
• FESC (Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology)
• APFIC (Asian Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology)
• FRCP (Edin) (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh)
• FSAICS (Fellow of Southeast Asian Interventional Cardiology Society)
• MHRS (Member of the Heart Rhythm Society)
• Member, Cardiology Society of India (CSI)
• Member of Cardiology Society of Kerala and UP

A Dedicated Educator and Prolific Researcher:

Dr Kumar’s passion for cardiology is equally evident in his dedication to medical education and research. He is a sought-after proctor for national and international training in a multitude of advanced cardiology procedures, including TAVI, Rota, IVUS, OCT, SICD, AICDs, and Micra. His extensive teaching experience spans decades, from instructing undergraduate and postgraduate medical students during his MD and DM programs to guiding DNB Cardiology dissertations and overseeing clinical research studies.

His commitment to advancing medical knowledge is reflected in his robust research profile. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Indian Heart Journal and has served as a principal investigator and sub-investigator in more than 14 international trials. His numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and as a co-editor of significant texts like “Complex Coronary Angioplasty in STEMI” and “Atrial Fibrillation Update” further underscore his intellectual contributions to the field.

A Galaxy of Awards and Recognitions:

Dr Viveka Kumar’s exceptional contributions have been recognized with a distinguished array of honors and awards from various esteemed institutions:

• Chikitsa Ratna Award (2009-2010) by DMA (Delhi Medical Association)
• Vidya Ratna Award (2010) from Kanpur University
• International Award of Excellence in Cardiology (Mysore)
• Dr. K Sharan Cardiology Excellence Award by IMA
• Life Time Achievement Award by Gastric Society of India
• Honour from Iraq Govt for Cardiac services
• American Association of Cardiologist of Indian Origin Award 2023 for contribution in Cardiology
• Mithila Samman from Lt. Shri Arun Jaitley (Former Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs)

Dr Viveka Kumar’s journey is an inspiring narrative of unwavering commitment to saving lives, pushing the boundaries of medical science, and fostering the next generation of cardiologists. His blend of extraordinary clinical skill, profound leadership, and a deeply compassionate approach to patient care truly establishes him as one of the most respected and impactful figures in contemporary cardiology.

Beyond his impressive surgical statistics—with over 30,001 angioplasties and 50,000 cardiac interventions to his name—Dr Kumar is celebrated for his patient-centric philosophy. Testimonials consistently describe him as “well experienced, polite, soft-spoken, [behaving] like a family member/doctor,” and a “gem person” who provides exceptional guidance and treatment. His commitment to comprehensive heart care is encapsulated in his motto: “YOUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS HEART HEALTH FOR LIFE STARTS HERE.”

Dr. Kumar’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice. He is actively involved in teaching and mentorship, serving as a proctor for national and international training in advanced cardiology procedures. His dedication to medical education and research is further demonstrated by his numerous publications and his role on the Editorial Board of the Indian Heart Journal. He has also been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including the Chikitsa Ratna Award, Vidya Ratna Award, and the International Award of Excellence in Cardiology.

Dr. Viveka Kumar’s blend of unparalleled skill, innovative spirit, and compassionate care truly makes him an uplifting figure in the medical community, continuously striving to provide world-class cardiac solutions and instill hope in his patients.

He holds significant positions within various professional bodies and contributes extensively to the medical community:

• Principal Director & Chief of Cath Labs (Pan) at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
• Proctor for national and international training in advanced cardiology procedures.
• Editorial Board Member of the Indian Heart Journal.
• He is also associated with professional bodies as indicated by his qualifications: FSCAI, FACC, FECS, APFIC, and FRCP (Edin), which are fellowships and memberships in prominent cardiology and medical colleges.
• Dr. Viveka Kumar is the President of the Indian Medical Association, New Delhi Branch (IMA-NDB).

In this capacity as the President IMA-NDB, he has been an active voice on critical issues affecting the medical fraternity and public health. For instance, he has spoken on concerns like the sudden and early deaths of young doctors, emphasizing the importance of self-healthcare, optimizing daily routines, and lifestyle for medical professionals. This role highlights his commitment not only to clinical excellence but also to the well-wellbeing and professional development of his peers.