Dr. Refai Showkathali is a distinguished interventional cardiologist with an impressive 24 years of experience in the field of cardiology. Currently practicing at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Refai comes with a wealth of knowledge garnered through specialized training and fellowships from the United Kingdom. His expertise encompasses a broad range of advanced interventional procedures, including CHIP-PCI (for cardiogenic shock and mechanical circulatory support devices such as Impella, ECMO), Left Main PCI, and a variety of complex coronary and structural interventions. Dr. Refai employs cutting-edge techniques such as Zero (Ultra low) contrast PCI, Bifurcation PCI, Calcium modification such as Rotablation, Orbital atherectomy, LASER and IVL therapy, Post bypass stenting, CTO, Drug coated Balloons, skillfully performed via radial access for patient comfort and safety. With profound specialization in coronary imaging and physiology, including OCT, IVUS, and FFR, he is well-equipped to manage intricate cardiac cases. His competencies extend to TAVI, Mitraclip, TMVR, TRIC valve implantation of devices like permanent pacemakers including leadless pacemaker, AICDs, CRT, conduction system pacing. Additionally, he has expertise in atrial and ventricular septal device closure, PFO, and Left Atrial Appendage closure. He holds the distinction of performing the first RDN (renal denervation) procedure for uncontrolled hypertension with “Simplicity Catheter” in Tamil Nadu. Dr. Refai is also a staple of academic advancement, holding a professorship at the Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation and contributing significantly as an examiner for the MRCP PACES exam conducted by the Royal College of Physicians in London. His impactful research dimmed alongside multiple fellowships and serving on the editorial boards of various international cardiology journals. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the Academic Research Poster Award in 2011. Fluent in several languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Urdu, Dr. Refai Showkathali stands out as a compassionate and skillful cardiologist dedicated to enhancing cardiac health and improving patient outcomes.
- Currently Working as Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals Greams road Chennai
- SEPT 2013 - JUNE 2014: Interventional Cardiologist The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Essex, UK
- OCT 2012 - SEPT 2013: Post CCT Senior TAVI/Structural Interventional FellowKing’s College Hospital, London.
- AUG 2007 - OCT 2012: Specialist Training (ST) rotation – Cardiology (Intervention) East of England Deanery
Special interest
Dr.Refai Showkathali specializes in Advanced Interventional Cardiology, encompassing both advanced coronary and structural heart interventions. He has extensive experience in managing a wide spectrum of cardiac conditions, including:
- Coronary Artery Disease (such as heart attacks)
- Valvular Heart Disease
- Heart Failure, including cardiomyopathies
- Cardiac Rhythm Disorders
His expertise includes performing a full range of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI)—from routine procedures to the most complex cases—including:
- Primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (acute heart attack)
- Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Angioplasty using advanced techniques like CrossBoss and Stingray systems
- Rotablation (rotational atherectomy for heavily calcified arteries)
- Bifurcation Stenting and Left Main Stem (LMS) Stenting
- Bio-absorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) Deployment
- Dedicated Bifurcation Stenting (e.g., Tryton stents)
- Drug-Eluting Balloon (DEB) Angioplasty
- Intravascular imaging and diagnostic tools:
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) using pressure wire
- Mechanical Thrombectomy for clot removal
- Use of Proximal and Distal Protection Devices
- Saphenous Vein Graft (SVG) Stenting
- Procedures via both radial and femoral access, with a strong preference for radial approach even in complex cases
He is also proficient in structural heart interventions, including:
- TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
- Pacemaker and ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Implantation
- ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Closure
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