Deputy Head & Principal Consultant – Paediatric Cardiology & Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD)
Dr. Sushil Azad is a renowned expert in Pediatric Cardiology with nearly 20 years of specialized experience. He is a pioneer in interventional (non-surgical) cardiology for children, having performed over 4,500 successful procedures. Known for his technical mastery in the cath lab, he has successfully treated infants as small as 1.5 kg. His work is defined by a commitment to “scar-less” cures for congenital heart defects, ensuring that children can lead healthy lives without the trauma of open-heart surgery whenever possible.
Dr. Sushil Azad is distinguished by his elite training at India’s premier cardiac centers and his role in establishing global standards for pediatric heart care in the region.
- Expert in Tiny Hearts: Dr. Azad is celebrated for his ability to perform high-precision interventions on neonates and preterm infants. His success in treating a 1.5 kg preterm infant with complex heart disease in the cath lab is a testament to his surgical-grade precision in a non-invasive setting.
- Valve Implantation Pioneer: He was instrumental in starting the Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation (PPVI) program at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, establishing it as a center of excellence. This “no-stitch” valve replacement is a breakthrough for children who previously required multiple open-heart surgeries.
- Fetal Cardiology Expert: He is a specialist in Fetal Echocardiography, diagnosing heart defects while the baby is still in the womb. This early detection allows families and medical teams to plan life-saving care immediately upon birth.
- Academic Leader: Dr. Azad played a pivotal role in developing the Pediatric Cardiology programs at Medanta – The Medicity. He is a prolific researcher with over 25 publications in international journals and has authored chapters in major textbooks on pediatric echocardiography.
Dr. Azad specializes in the non-surgical closure of heart holes and the management of complex congenital conditions in patients of all ages.
Conditions & Diseases Treated:
- Congenital Heart Defects (CHD): ASD, VSD, and PDA in newborns, children, and adults.
- Complex Structural Issues: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), and Single Ventricle defects.
- Valve Disorders: Narrowed pulmonary or aortic valves (Stenosis).
- Pediatric Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms in children.
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Managing heart defects in adults that were diagnosed in childhood.
Specialized Interventional Procedures:
- Device Closures: Using specialized “umbrellas” to close ASD, VSD, and PDA without surgery.
- Percutaneous Valve Implantation (PPVI): Non-surgical replacement of the pulmonary valve.
- Balloon Valvuloplasty: Opening narrowed heart valves (Aortic/Pulmonary) using high-pressure balloons.
- Fetal Echocardiogram: High-resolution ultrasound to detect heart issues during pregnancy.
- Coarctation Stenting: Opening narrowed segments of the aorta using advanced stents.
- Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care: Managing critically ill children in specialized cardiac ICUs.
Dr. Azad has been instrumental in establishing world-class pediatric cardiac programs across India:
- Deputy Head & Principal Consultant: Amrita Hospital, Faridabad (Current).
- Senior Consultant: Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, where he started the Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation program.
- Senior Consultant: Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram (played a key role in developing their Pediatric Cardiology & DNB programs).
- Associate Consultant: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
Awards & Recognitions
Throughout his career, Dr. Azad has been recognized for his innovative research and clinical success:
- Best Paper Award (APCASH, Hong Kong): For his work on the “Device Closure of Aortic Pseudoaneurysm.”
- Best Paper Award (Chhattisgarh State Pedicon): For research excellence in pediatric health.
- PEET Prize: Awarded for outstanding ideas and innovation in pediatric cardiac care.
- Academic Contributor: Authored over 25 research publications and several chapters in prominent medical textbooks.
- FNB (Pediatric Cardiology): Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi.
- Fellowship (Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care): Madras Medical Mission, Chennai.
- MD (Pediatrics): Pt. J.L. Nehru Medical College, Raipur.
- MBBS: Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak.
