Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao: Transforming Cardiology With Innovative Techniques & Care
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao
HOD & Senior Interventional Cardiologist
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao is not just a cardiologist, he is a pioneer, a mentor, and a game-changer in interventional cardiology. As the first Indian doctor to introduce the Japanese technique for treating 100 percent coronary blockages without bypass surgery, he has redefined possibilities in cardiac care. His work does not just restore blood flow, it restores hope, proving that innovation when paired with dedication, can truly change lives.
For over 30 years, Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao has been a driving force in inter -ventional cardiology, leading the Care Group of Hospitals in Hyderabad. His expertise spans preventive, non-invasive, and interventional cardiology, with a particular focus on Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO), a complex condition once only treated with bypass surgery.
Through the Indo-Japanese CTO Club, he has trained cardiologists nationwide, perfor-ming over 1,500 CTO PCI procedures. With a dedicated team, he has also completed 40,000+ radial procedures, making his cath lab among the largest in Asia. His commitment extends beyond hospitals, providing life-saving cardiac care to coal miners in remote Telangana regions.
Below is an excerpt of Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine.
With vast experience, how has your journey to success unfolded, and what is the mantra that guides you?
My success mantra is simple, which is ‘focus completely on whatever you do’. As an interventional cardiologist, I meticulously plan every procedure. I never take a patient’s case lightly, instead, I strategize, hold clinical discussions with my team, and adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving critical care and medical teams to ensure safe and effective procedures.
It’s not just me performing the procedure, it’s a collaborative effort. Ethics and affordability are crucial. Whether a patient is financially stable or struggling, we must prioritize their well-being. Beyond just performing procedures, my goal is to enhance the patient's quality of life for years to come. Success isn’t about completing a procedure, it’s about ensuring lasting, positive outcomes. Trust between doctor and patient is paramount, and I always strive to uphold that trust to the maximum. In today’s medical practice, ethics, careful planning, and patient-centered care define true success.
How are you using health information technologies to improve healthcare decision-making, diagnostics, and treatment in the hospital?
The latest technology tools we have adopted in the hospital have significantly improved healthcare decision-making, diagnostics, and treatment. When we started, we relied on ECG and 2D echo. Angiograms took a long time and required multiple steps. Over time, minimally invasive techniques have revolutionized medicine, particularly cardiology. I am part of the Slender Club in Japan, where we use ultra-thin tubes inserted through the wrist, allowing quick recovery and same-day discharge.
Recently, I observed robotic procedures in the UK, which will be a game-changer in India. Robotic PCI and surgeries will reduce infection rates and radiation exposure for medical professionals, and enhance precision. Additionally, third-generation stents have improved patency rates, drastically reducing the need for surgeries.
Valve replacements, once requiring open-heart surgery, are now done percutaneously under local anesthesia, saving lives within 48 hours. Advanced tools break down calcium blockages, enabling stent placement even in complex cases. Moreover, India's Atma Nirbhar initiative has boosted indigenous medical manufacturing, improving afford-ability.
Pharmaceutical advancements, including new blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering injections, have lowered complications and future cardiac events. Imaging has also evolved, with cardiac MRI, PETCT, 3D echocardiography, and transeso- phageal echo providing precise diagnostics. Invasive imaging tools like intravascular ultra sound and optical coherence tomography allow us to see inside arteries with extreme accuracy, ensuring optimal stent placement.
These innovations are transforming cardiology, enhancing patient outcomes, and making advanced treatments more accessible.
What are the main challenges hindering healthy lifestyle adoption, and what strategies can guide individuals toward better choices?
Modern lifestyles contribute to rising heart disease risks due to sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, chronic stress, lack of awareness, and poor sleep. Excessive screen time, processed food con-sumption, smoking, and alcohol further worsen cardio- vascular health.
To combat this, regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, stress management through meditation, quality sleep, and routine health checkups are essential. Limiting processed foods, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing mental well-being significantly reduce heart disease risks, promoting long-term health and a better quality of life.
How would you describe your leadership style? What key principles or strategies guide you in effectively leading your team?
Leadership, to me, is about fostering a team where every member feels valued and empowered. With over 22 years of leading my team, I take great pride in the fact that seven of my members have been with me for two decades. This longevity reflects the trust and collaborative spirit we have built. I emphasize recognizing individual strengths and refining them to enhance patient care.
Recently, I observed robotic procedures in the UK, which will be a game-changer in India. Robotic PCI and surgeries will reduce infection rates and radiation exposure for medical professionals, and enhance precision. Additionally, third-generation stents have improved patency rates, drastically reducing the need for surgeries.
Valve replacements, once requiring open-heart surgery, are now done percutaneously under local anesthesia, saving lives within 48 hours. Advanced tools break down calcium blockages, enabling stent placement even in complex cases. Moreover, India's Atma Nirbhar initiative has boosted indigenous medical manufacturing, improving afford-ability.
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao’s dedication to pioneering cardiac care has transformed lives, making advanced treatments accessible to all
Pharmaceutical advancements, including new blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering injections, have lowered complications and future cardiac events. Imaging has also evolved, with cardiac MRI, PETCT, 3D echocardiography, and transeso- phageal echo providing precise diagnostics. Invasive imaging tools like intravascular ultra sound and optical coherence tomography allow us to see inside arteries with extreme accuracy, ensuring optimal stent placement.
These innovations are transforming cardiology, enhancing patient outcomes, and making advanced treatments more accessible.
What are the main challenges hindering healthy lifestyle adoption, and what strategies can guide individuals toward better choices?
Modern lifestyles contribute to rising heart disease risks due to sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, chronic stress, lack of awareness, and poor sleep. Excessive screen time, processed food con-sumption, smoking, and alcohol further worsen cardio- vascular health.
To combat this, regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, stress management through meditation, quality sleep, and routine health checkups are essential. Limiting processed foods, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing mental well-being significantly reduce heart disease risks, promoting long-term health and a better quality of life.
How would you describe your leadership style? What key principles or strategies guide you in effectively leading your team?
Leadership, to me, is about fostering a team where every member feels valued and empowered. With over 22 years of leading my team, I take great pride in the fact that seven of my members have been with me for two decades. This longevity reflects the trust and collaborative spirit we have built. I emphasize recognizing individual strengths and refining them to enhance patient care.
Our discussions are open, with everyone encouraged to share insights on optimizing treatment outcomes, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Regular group meetings, both for clinical cases and academic growth, ensure continuous learning. While I grant autonomy, I step in at critical moments to ensure patient safety. My leadership is not about authority but mentorship, by guiding, supporting, and ensuring that every decision prioritizes patient well-being while fostering professional growth within the team.
What is the ultimate goal you are striving to achieve in the future?
As an interventional cardiologist, my ultimate destination is to continuously enhance patient care and outcomes. Every day, I strive to learn, adapt, and stay updated with the latest treatment guide lines, technologies, and innovative techniques to provide the best possible care.
My focus is not just on performing procedures but on optimizing long-term results for my patients. By embracing advancements in interventional cardiology, mentoring the next generation, and refining techniques, I aim to make complex procedures safer, more effective, and accessible. My journey is driven by a single goal, saving lives and improving patient health through dedication, expertise, and innovation.
Based on your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the healthcare sector?
With years of experience in interventional cardiology, my advice to upcoming healthcare leaders is to always prioritize patient care, embrace innovation, and lead with integrity. Medicine is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest technologies, treatment guide -lines, and best practices is essential for improving patient outcomes.
A great leader in healthcare must mentor, collaborate, and inspire their team while fostering a culture of continuous learning. Challenges will always exist, but resilience, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to excellence will set you apart. Leading with compassion, precision, and responsibility will shape the future of healthcare for the better.
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao, HOD & Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Care Group Of Hospitals
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao is a senior interventional cardiologist leading the Care Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad, with over 30 years in cardiac sciences. Specializing in Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO)and radial procedures, he has trained numerous cardiologists and pioneered advanced inter- ventions, transforming cardiac care across India.
•Hobbies: I dedicate time to reading cardiology books, mentoring globally, watching TV, and occasionally playing cricket to stay active.
•Favorite Cuisine: As a South Indian, I enjoy a traditional South Indian cuisine.
•Favorite Travel Destination: Paris, a hub of academic excellence where I have presented top cases as an international faculty member.
•Awards & Recognition: Honored to receive Top Most Healthcare Leaders Global Award 2025 by World Health and Wellness Congress and Best Interventional Cardiologist in 2020 by one of South India's biggest awards, alongside renowned celebrities including India's cricket team coach.
What is the ultimate goal you are striving to achieve in the future?
As an interventional cardiologist, my ultimate destination is to continuously enhance patient care and outcomes. Every day, I strive to learn, adapt, and stay updated with the latest treatment guide lines, technologies, and innovative techniques to provide the best possible care.
My focus is not just on performing procedures but on optimizing long-term results for my patients. By embracing advancements in interventional cardiology, mentoring the next generation, and refining techniques, I aim to make complex procedures safer, more effective, and accessible. My journey is driven by a single goal, saving lives and improving patient health through dedication, expertise, and innovation.
Based on your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the healthcare sector?
With years of experience in interventional cardiology, my advice to upcoming healthcare leaders is to always prioritize patient care, embrace innovation, and lead with integrity. Medicine is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest technologies, treatment guide -lines, and best practices is essential for improving patient outcomes.
A great leader in healthcare must mentor, collaborate, and inspire their team while fostering a culture of continuous learning. Challenges will always exist, but resilience, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to excellence will set you apart. Leading with compassion, precision, and responsibility will shape the future of healthcare for the better.
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao, HOD & Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Care Group Of Hospitals
Dr Vithala Surya Prakasa Rao is a senior interventional cardiologist leading the Care Group of Hospitals, Hyderabad, with over 30 years in cardiac sciences. Specializing in Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO)and radial procedures, he has trained numerous cardiologists and pioneered advanced inter- ventions, transforming cardiac care across India.
•Hobbies: I dedicate time to reading cardiology books, mentoring globally, watching TV, and occasionally playing cricket to stay active.
•Favorite Cuisine: As a South Indian, I enjoy a traditional South Indian cuisine.
•Favorite Travel Destination: Paris, a hub of academic excellence where I have presented top cases as an international faculty member.
•Awards & Recognition: Honored to receive Top Most Healthcare Leaders Global Award 2025 by World Health and Wellness Congress and Best Interventional Cardiologist in 2020 by one of South India's biggest awards, alongside renowned celebrities including India's cricket team coach.