Sun Jan 26 04:51:40 UTC 2025: **Renowned Cardiac Surgeon Dr. K.M. Cherian Passes Away at 83**
BENGALURU, INDIA – January 26, 2025 – Dr. K.M. Cherian, a pioneering figure in Indian cardiac surgery and the country’s first to perform a coronary bypass surgery, passed away in Bengaluru on Saturday at the age of 83. His death comes just days after the virtual launch of his biography, *Just an Instrument*, at the Kerala Literary Fest.
Dr. Cherian, born on March 8, 1942, dedicated over five decades to cardiology. His accomplishments include India’s first heart-lung transplant and its second cardiac transplant. Breaking from typical specialization, he also became a pioneer in pediatric cardiac surgery. He established the Frontier Lifeline Hospital in Chennai and Frontier Mediville, a medical science park focused on developing indigenous cardiac valves.
At the book launch, Dr. Cherian emphasized the importance of compassionate patient care, recounting experiences such as performing heart surgeries on Iraqi children and working with Mother Teresa. He also shared his role in securing the release of imprisoned Indian drivers in Iraq.
After graduating from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and teaching at Christian Medical College, Vellore, Dr. Cherian pursued further training in Australia and New Zealand. Despite lucrative offers abroad, he returned to India to serve his countrymen. His career also included a term as honorary cardiac surgeon to the President of India and extensive work with international patients. Dr. Cherian’s legacy extends far beyond his surgical achievements, showcasing a life dedicated to both medical innovation and humanitarian service. He reportedly collapsed suddenly while attending a wedding in Bengaluru.
First Piper 