Dr. Jayakumar.P
MBBS, MS MCh , Professor & HOD
Overview
The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences is the first centre in Kanyakumari district to provide comprehensive cardiothoracic surgical services for both adult and pediatric patients. The department was established to meet the growing need for advanced cardiac and thoracic surgical care in the region. Supported by modern surgical infrastructure and a highly experienced team of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and critical care specialists, the department provides advanced surgical treatment for a wide range of heart, lung, and vascular diseases. In line with the institution’s commitment to accessible healthcare, most cardiac surgeries are provided free of cost under the Tamil Nadu Government TNCMCHIS scheme, while other procedures are offered at highly affordable charges. The department manages both routine and complex cardiothoracic conditions, including congenital heart diseases, coronary artery disease, valvular heart diseases, and thoracic disorders. Pediatric cardiac surgeries are also routinely performed for children with congenital heart defects.
Overview
The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences is the first centre in Kanyakumari district to provide comprehensive cardiothoracic surgical services for both adult and pediatric patients. The department was established to meet the growing need for advanced cardiac and thoracic surgical care in the region. Supported by modern surgical infrastructure and a highly experienced team of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and critical care specialists, the department provides advanced surgical treatment for a wide range of heart, lung, and vascular diseases. In line with the institution’s commitment to accessible healthcare, most cardiac surgeries are provided free of cost under the Tamil Nadu Government TNCMCHIS scheme, while other procedures are offered at highly affordable charges. The department manages both routine and complex cardiothoracic conditions, including congenital heart diseases, coronary artery disease, valvular heart diseases, and thoracic disorders. Pediatric cardiac surgeries are also routinely performed for children with congenital heart defects.
Dr. Jayakumar.P
MBBS, MS MCh , Professor & HOD
Dr. Jayakumar.P
MBBS, MS MCh , Professor & HOD
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Sree Mookambika Hospital provides advanced cardiac and thoracic care with modern surgical facilities and a highly experienced team. Established to meet the growing need for comprehensive heart treatment, the department has successfully performed a large number of complex procedures since its inception. In keeping with the institution’s vision, most cardiac surgeries are offered free under the Tamil Nadu Government scheme, with the remaining provided at highly affordable charges.
The department includes fully equipped cardiac operation theatres with advanced heart–lung machines, modern anaesthesia workstations, BIS monitoring, and intra-aortic balloon pump support for critically ill patients. The specialized cardiothoracic ICU is staffed with trained professionals and supported by ventilators, central monitoring systems, and point-of-care diagnostic facilities.
A wide range of services is offered, including coronary bypass surgery, valve surgeries, combined cardiac procedures, lung surgeries, major vascular repairs, and pediatric cardiac corrections such as those for congenital heart defects. When appropriate, device closures are performed by pediatric interventional cardiologists. The department also plays an active role in medical education, providing excellent hands-on training for postgraduate students in anaesthesia and general surgery, especially in cardiac procedures and intensive care management.
Why SMIMS CTVS is One of the Most Advanced Cardiac Surgery Centres in South Tamil Nadu
The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at SMIMS has emerged as one of the leading cardiac surgery centres in South Tamil Nadu, offering comprehensive surgical care supported by modern infrastructure and a multidisciplinary team.
Key strengths of the centre include:
- First cardiothoracic surgical centre in Kanyakumari district providing advanced cardiac surgery services
- Expertise in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries, including correction of congenital heart diseases
- Affordable treatment under the Tamil Nadu Government TNCMCHIS scheme, ensuring access to life-saving cardiac surgeries for economically disadvantaged patients
- High procedural volume, reflecting the trust of patients from across the district and neighbouring regions
- Integrated cardiac care with Cath Lab, Cardiac Surgery Unit, and Cardiac ICU available within the same centre for seamless management of complex cardiac conditions
Infrastructure
The department is supported by state-of-the-art surgical and critical care infrastructure, enabling safe performance of complex cardiac and thoracic procedures.
Key facilities include:
- Fully equipped modular cardiac operation theatres
- Advanced heart–lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass system) for open-heart surgery
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) support for critically ill cardiac patients
- Advanced anaesthesia workstations with BIS monitoring
- Dedicated Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) for postoperative cardiac care
- Central monitoring systems and ventilatory support
- Point-of-care diagnostic facilities including ABG analysis
- Support from advanced cardiac imaging services including Echocardiography, CT, MRI, and Cath Lab
These facilities ensure high standards of surgical safety, perioperative monitoring, and critical care management.
Scope of Surgical Services
The department provides a wide range of adult and pediatric cardiothoracic and vascular surgical procedures.
Cardiac Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Valve repair and valve replacement surgeries
- Combined cardiac surgical procedures
- Surgery for congenital heart diseases in children and adults
- Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection surgeries
Thoracic Surgery
- Lung resections for pulmonary diseases and tumors
- Surgery for mediastinal tumors
- Thoracic trauma surgery
- Surgical management of pleural diseases
Vascular Surgery
- Surgery for peripheral arterial disease
- Carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis
- Varicose vein surgery
- Major vascular repairs and reconstructions
Minimally Invasive and Emergency Procedures
- Minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic surgeries
- Emergency cardiac surgeries
- Trauma-related thoracic surgical procedures
Thoracic Oncosurgery
The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery also provides advanced thoracic oncological surgery for cancers of the lungs, mediastinum, and chest wall. These procedures are performed using modern surgical techniques with multidisciplinary support from oncology, pulmonology, radiology, and critical care teams.
Common thoracic oncological procedures include:
- Lobectomy and pneumonectomy for lung cancer
- Resection of mediastinal tumors
- Chest wall tumor resections and reconstruction
- Surgical management of pleural tumors
- Diagnostic and therapeutic thoracoscopy
- Biopsy and staging procedures for thoracic malignancies
These surgeries are performed with advanced perioperative care and critical care support, ensuring safe surgical outcomes and comprehensive cancer management.
For selected congenital defects, device closure procedures are performed in collaboration with pediatric interventional cardiologists.
Multidisciplinary Cardiac Care
The CTVS department works in close collaboration with:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Services
This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive and coordinated care for complex cardiothoracic conditions.
Teaching and Academic Activities
The Department of CTVS actively contributes to medical education and surgical training.
- Hands-on training for MS General Surgery postgraduate students in cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures
- Training for Anaesthesia postgraduate students in cardiac anaesthesia and critical care
- Academic seminars, surgical discussions, and multidisciplinary case reviews
- Participation in national conferences and continuing medical education programs
The department also supports the B.Sc Cardiac Perfusion Technology program, providing specialized training in cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, heart–lung machine operation, and perioperative cardiac surgical support.
