In the field of modern medicine, few names command as much respect and admiration as Dr. Viveka Kumar, the Principal Director & Chief of Cath Labs (Pan Max) and Head of Department – Cardiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kumar has emerged as one of Asia’s most accomplished and trusted cardiologists, renowned for his precision, compassion, and pioneering advancements in interventional cardiology.
Journey
Dr. Viveka Kumar began his education at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, where he completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine, followed by a DM in Cardiology from GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. His passion for innovation and excellence took him to St. George’s Hospital, London, where he trained in advanced interventional cardiology and electrophysiology—a field that would later define his global reputation.
Today, as the driving force behind Max Healthcare’s cardiac program, Dr. Kumar leads a team of specialists who handle some of the most complex cardiac cases in Asia. His leadership, technical brilliance, and dedication to patient care have made Max Saket one of the premier centers for cardiac excellence.
Complex Interventions
Dr. Kumar is known for performing high-risk and complex procedures that save lives others might consider impossible. His expertise includes:
- Complex Coronary Angioplasty (PCI)—multivessel, left main, and bifurcation lesions.
- Transcatheter Valve Interventions (TAVI/TAVR & TMVR)—offering non-surgical valve replacement solutions.
- Electrophysiology and Device Therapy encompasses the use of ICDs, CRTs, and the implantation of leadless pacemakers.
- Structural Heart Interventions—like ASD, PFO, and Left Atrial Appendage Closure.
- Dr. Kumar also provides comprehensive vascular care through peripheral and carotid artery interventions.
- Dr. Kumar has redefined standards in cardiac care by utilizing cutting-edge technology such as IVUS, OCT, FFR, rotablation, and Impella-assisted PCI. His outcomes in complex revascularization and high-risk cardiac procedures are among the best in the world.
Achievements
Dr. Viveka Kumar's clinical record is truly remarkable. He has successfully performed over 50,000 cardiac interventions, including more than 7,500 angioplasties and 2,500 balloon valvotomies—with an impeccable success rate. He also holds the distinction of performing India’s first subcutaneous ICD implantation and remains the national leader in ICD and leadless pacemaker implants. His ability to blend innovation with precision has saved thousands of lives and positioned India as a hub for advanced cardiac treatment.
Awards, Honours, and Global Recognition
Dr. Kumar’s remarkable contributions have earned him several prestigious accolades, including
🏅 Chikitsa Ratna Award – Delhi Medical Association
🏅 Vidya Ratna Award – Kanpur University
🏅 International Award of Excellence in Cardiology – Mysore
🏅 Mithila Samman – Presented by Late Shri Arun Jaitley
🏅 Dr. K. Sharan Cardiology Excellence Award – Indian Medical Association
🏅 Lifetime Achievement Award – Gastric Society of India
🏅 Honor from the Government of Iraq for advancing cardiac services abroad
He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (FSCAI), and European Society of Cardiology (FESC)—a recognition that places him among the top global cardiologists.
Educator, Innovator, and Mentor
Beyond his surgical skills, Dr. Kumar excels as an academician and mentor. He has authored numerous papers in national and international medical journals, contributed to cardiology textbooks, and has been part of over 14 international clinical trials. He is a regular speaker at global conferences like TCT, EuroPCR, and India Live, where his live case demonstrations attract cardiologists from across the world. His passion for teaching and mentoring young doctors ensures that his knowledge and vision still motivate the next generation of cardiac specialists.
A Humanitarian with Legacy of Hope and Healing
What truly sets Dr. Viveka Kumar apart is his compassion. DDespite his towering professional stature, Dr. Kumar remains deeply empathetic and accessible to his patients. He has led numerous free cardiac camps and outreach programs for economically weaker sections, believing that quality healthcare should never be a privilege but a right. Every patient who meets Dr. Kumar experiences the rare blend of science and humanity—a doctor who listens, reassures, and heals with heart.
It is no exaggeration to say that Dr. Viveka Kumar is the finest cardiologist in Asia. His commitment to perfection, adoption of world-class technology, and compassionate patient care have earned him the trust of not only Indians but also patients across the globe. International patients from the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Europe seek his expertise at Max Saket, where he continues to restore lives and redefine cardiac excellence.
IIn an era where medicine meets innovation, Dr. Viveka Kumar stands as a symbol of hope, healing, and human excellence. His name has become synonymous with trust—a beacon for those battling heart disease and an inspiration for the medical fraternity.