Dr Prathap Kumar

10/08/2025

30/07/2025

Sharing knowledge and learning from the best has always been a driving passion for me. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to gain invaluable insights in the field of interventional cardiology and equally fortunate to connect with some of the brightest minds through global collaborations, conferences, and shared platforms. One such milestone was the CTO training workshop we recently conducted in collaboration with the Toyohashi Heart Centre, Japan—a centre widely regarded as the epicentre of complex CTO procedures.
This was a proud moment, as it marked the first-ever partnership between the Interventional Cardiology Research and Training Foundation (ICRTF) and the Toyohashi Heart Centre. With Dr. T Suzuki as the Patron and Dr. Kenya Nasu and Dr. Maoto Habara as Course Directors, I had the privilege of co-organising this event that brought together seven enthusiastic participants from India.
Over two intensive days, the workshop featured multiple live CTO PCI cases and deep-dive discussions into the nuances and advanced techniques of CTO interventions. Lectures by Dr. Nasu, Dr. Habara, and myself were designed to cover a comprehensive range of topics in CTO PCI, making the learning experience rich and practical.
A very special note of gratitude to Dr. Maoto Habara, whose support, hospitality, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in making this dream a reality. His dedication went far beyond expectations and laid the foundation for what we hope will be many more such collaborations in the future.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive—they found the content deeply enriching and left with many practical takeaways they could immediately translate into better patient outcomes.
This collaboration is more than just a training workshop; it’s a step forward in building bridges between institutions and sharing the best of global expertise for the benefit of patients worldwide.

28/07/2025

While in Kyoto, I randomly called a dear friend and exceptional CTO operator, Dr. Ichiro Hamanaka (Rakuwakai Marutamachi Hospital). He was delighted to hear I was in town and immediately invited me to visit his cath lab and join him for dinner.

It was a privilege to watch him perform a CTO PCI — we exchanged insights during the case, making it an enriching learning experience. The day ended with warm conversations, laughter, and a memorable Kyoto-style Japanese dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

What a remarkable day in Kyoto !! — capped off by catching the last Shinkansen to Toyohashi.

27/07/2025

Humbled and Honoured

Legends exist in every field—and in the world of CTO PCI, Dr. Atsunori Okamura is undoubtedly one of them. It was a true privilege to meet this exceptional and generous master during my visit to Japan.

Though there were no live cases on the day of my visit to his cath lab in Osaka, Dr. Okamura graciously arranged a special session for me at the cutting-edge Shimadzu Lab in Kyoto. I remain deeply grateful for the dedicated 3-hour session he spent walking me through the nuances of IVUS-guided Tip Detection Reentry and his pioneering Angiography-Guided 3D Wiring Technique.

His ability to conceptualize 3D coronary anatomy from 2D angiography images left me in absolute awe. What stood out even more was his genuine desire to teach—with patience, clarity, and humility. Thanks to his guidance, I was able to try 3D wiring on the simulator, marking a meaningful milestone in my learning journey.

While there’s still a long way to go before mastering this technique, this interaction has certainly reshaped my approach to CTO PCI.

Thank you, Dr. Okamura, for your time, mentorship, and inspiration.

26/07/2025

Advancing CTO Practice Through Collaboration and Cases - Hospital Mangalore

Had the privilege of performing 4 complex CTO (Chronic Total Occlusion) cases at Indiana Hospital, Mangalore — a center equipped with some of the most advanced technologies in interventional cardiology.

The day began with a challenging double CTO of the RCA and LAD, which was successfully completed. This was followed by two more complex interventions, culminating in a single-catheter retrograde CTO PCI to close the day.

Grateful to Dr Yusuf Kumble for his trust on me to operate on these complex cases, and it was equally enriching to exchange knowledge and techniques with cardiologists who gathered at the center.

As I board my flight from Mangalore, I carry back not just the satisfaction of successful cases and collaborative learning — but also excitement for some new beginnings that unfold next week!

21/07/2025

Successfully Completed 4 Complex CTO Cases in Nagpur 🙌
Grateful to have performed 4 challenging CTO interventions with excellent outcomes at NSH Hospital, Rhythm Hospital, and KIMS, Nagpur.
Also had the privilege to share insights on “Tips and Tricks of CTO Intervention” with the vibrant cardiology community of Nagpur.
A fulfilling blend of hands-on experience and academic exchange! 💬🫀

20/07/2025

Thank you Mangalam, for the feature ☺️

14/07/2025

The IVUS MASTERCLASS, a hands-on training workshop on Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), was successfully conducted on 12th & 13th July 2025 at Hyatt Regency, Trivandrum. This prestigious educational event was organized by the Interventional Cardiology Research and Training Foundation (ICRTF) and marks a milestone as the first-of-its-kind IVUS training program in India.

This two-day intensive workshop was designed to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on training on the use of IVUS in coronary interventions. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from interventional cardiologists across the country.

The IVUS MASTERCLASS was led by a distinguished panel of national faculty, each a leader in interventional cardiology:
• Dr. N Prathap Kumar – Kollam
• Dr. G Sengottuvelu – Chennai
• Dr. Uday B Khanolkar - Bengaluru
• Dr. CG Bahuleyan – Trivandrum
• Dr. Madhu Sreedharan – Trivandrum

Our combined expertise and commitment to clinical education ensured a high-impact, hands-on learning experience for all participants.
The IVUS MASTERCLASS was a landmark event, providing a highly interactive and practical learning experience for all participants. Through expert-led lectures and case-based sessions, attendees gained advanced skills in IVUS interpretation and its clinical application in complex coronary interventions.

The event concluded with certificate distribution and resounding appreciation from attendees, reinforcing ICRTF’s commitment to high-quality interventional cardiology training in India.

“At ICRTF, our mission is to build a strong foundation of clinical excellence through focused training and research in interventional cardiology. The IVUS MASTERCLASS represents a bold step toward that goal—bringing cutting-edge imaging technologies like IVUS into the hands of every interventional cardiologist in India.

We take immense pride in creating India’s first structured, hands-on IVUS training platform. It’s not just about learning a technique—it’s about transforming patient care. Through ICRTF, we are committed to nurturing a new generation of cardiologists who are not only technically skilled but also guided by evidence, precision, and compassion.

02/07/2025

14/06/25 – A Walk Down Memory Lane at Manipal Hospital HAL Road

Today was more than just another day in the cath lab—it was a deeply nostalgic return to a place that once defined a major chapter of my professional journey.

Back at Manipal Hospital HAL Road, I was here to perform a complex CTO angioplasty, but my mind kept drifting—almost 20 years back—when I first walked into this very hospital as the Head of Interventional Cardiology during a particularly challenging phase. It was just after the departure of Dr. Subhash Chandra, one of the finest cardiologists of his time and someone I greatly admire. The responsibility was immense, but so was the opportunity.

During my time here, I was fortunate to lead a turnaround that saw the department reach its then-highest procedural volumes. By the time I returned to my native Kerala, I had left with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment—knowing that I had made a mark both among peers and patients.

A lot has changed at Manipal since then—but its soul remains the same. It was heartening to reconnect with long-time colleagues like Dr. Anand Shenoy, Mr. Ravishankar, and Mr. Vinod, among others. The warmth and camaraderie felt timeless.

I was warmly welcomed by Dr. Anusha Rao, an energetic and passionate cardiologist, who took me through the department I once headed. She, along with Dr. Keshava R, the current HOD, assisted me in a challenging double CTO case, previously attempted. I demonstrated antegrade techniques and we completed the case successfully.

Spent quality time catching up, reminiscing, and reflecting.
This is one of those rare days that rewards you professionally and touches you personally.
A day I’ll cherish for a long time.

30/06/2025

From Calicut to Mysore – A Day of Learning, Sharing & Reflection

Straight after a 2-day CTO workshop in Calicut, I took a long 6-hour drive and reached Mysore post-midnight on June 12th—energized and excited to be at another phenomenal government hospital: Sri Jayadeva Institute, Mysore. This institute reminded me of the excellence at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology, where I’ve had the privilege of proctoring multiple times over the years.

On June 13th, I was warmly welcomed by Dr. Veena Nanjappa, and the day kicked off with a calcified LAD case using orbital atherectomy. I had the opportunity to demonstrate my preferred strategy of deploying the proximal stent first, which led to thoughtful discussions and appreciation from Dr. Veena and Dr. Shambavi.

Next, we took on an LCX CTO case, completed swiftly and effectively, which drew interest from all present. Unit heads Dr. Harsha, Dr. Dinesh, and Dr. Rajith, along with their teams, shared several challenging cases, and I was glad to offer practical insights and tips to the 16+ cardiologists in attendance.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sadanand, the Medical Superintendent, for his warm hospitality and a gracious lunch in the Director’s room.

The clinical highlight was a Left Main CTO in a 36-year-old male—a complex case that lasted 4.5 hours, where I demonstrated retrograde techniques and wire escalation strategies. The final results were incredibly satisfying, leaving the entire team speechless.

We wrapped up the day with a vibrant CME session, where cardiologists across Mysore presented their CTO cases, and I shared feedback, techniques, and reflections that sparked engaging dialogue and learning.

As the world slipped into the quiet of the night, I began my journey back to Bangalore a complex CTO case at the Manipal Hopsital HAL —a hospital where I once headed the cardiology department of Manipal nearly 20 years ago. That drive was not just about distance—it was a trip down memory lane.

Grateful for another day of impactful work, collaboration, and connection.

13/06/2025

I was in Patna on Sunday, 8 June 2025 for interventional cardiology meeting by Bihar interventional cardiology group in association with Bihar state CSI. I have given a talk on antegrade CTO talk and chaired the CTO session. This is the second time, I attended the session there and it was nice to associate with great friends in Bihar.

09/06/2025

CTO Workshop & Evening Symposium – Nashik

In the midst of a packed schedule, carved out a day for a fulfilling CTO Workshop at SMBT Hospital, and an Evening symposium at Nashik. Landed in Mumbai at midnight and drove straight to Nashik — arriving just in time to perform 4 challenging CTO cases, some of which had been attempted earlier. All cases were successful, and the relief on patients’ faces made it all worth it.

Grateful to Dr. Gaurav Verma for the kind invitation. These workshops aren’t just about procedures — they’re about shaping the future of cardiology. Honoured to contribute to the training of young cardiologists, the torchbearers of tomorrow.

The evening symposium saw an enthusiastic full house with 25+ cardiologists engaging in deep discussions around complex cases. A great exchange of ideas and learning.

And as the world slept, the journey continued — back to Mumbai and onward to Patna for the Bihar Interventional Council meeting. The mission never stops!