Dr. Ajay Narasimhan is a distinguished Thoracic Surgeon based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with a remarkable over 10 years of experience in the field. He specialises in Minimally Invasive & Robotic Thoracic Surgery. He holds an impressive educational background, having completed his MBBS, MS in General Surgery, and MCh in Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery from some of the most renowned institutes in India. As a male physician, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice, ensuring his patients receive the highest quality care. Dr. Narasimhan is fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, enabling him to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.
Renowned for his dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements in thoracic surgery, Dr. Narasimhan actively participates in various workshops and seminars across the nation. His commitment to continuous education not only enhances his practice but also contributes to the overall improvement of surgical techniques in his specialty. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he is a member of several prestigious associations and societies.
Dr. Ajay Narasimhan is not just a skilled surgeon; he is also a compassionate healthcare professional who prioritizes the wellbeing of his patients. His approach to treatment is holistic, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. With his extensive experience and dedication, Dr. Narasimhan is committed to providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each patient, making him a trusted partner in thoracic healthcare.
Senior Assistant Professor, Institute of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, 2016-2024
Senior Consultant, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, 2018 till Date
Special interest
Robotic Thoracic Surgery
Uniportal Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Tracheal and Airway Surgery
Complex Mediastinal Surgery
Surgery for Benign and Inflammatory Disorders of the Chest
Memberships
Member of the Indian Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Member of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Member of the Indian Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Member of the Indian Association of Bronchology
Member of Indian Chest Society
Awards & Achievements
Member of the First Asian Team to win The Masters Cup an international quiz in thoracic surgery held at ESTS Portugal in 2015
Winner of IACTS Midterm CME Quiz held in CMC Vellore in 2014
Research & Publications
01
Kumar KS, Narasimhan A, Gopalakrishnan R, Geetha N, Thirunarayanan MA, Suryanarayanan P. Coccidioidomycosis in Chennai. J Assoc Physicians India. 2011 Feb;59:122-4. PubMed PMID: 21751654.
02
Baliah, M., Veeraiyan, P., Narasimhan, A. et al. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg (2015) 31: 237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12055-015-0373-6
03
Narasimhan A, Ayyanathan S, Krishnamoorthy R. Re-discovering the heimlich valve: Old wine in a new bottle. Lung India 2017;34:70-2
04
Ajay Narasimhan, Interventional Pulmonologist and the Surgeon – A Symbiotic Relationship, JAPT 2018; 1:24
05
Oral presentation at the 34th Annual Japanese Association of Chest Surgeons held in Fukuoka, Japan on Surgical Management of Benign Tracheal Stenosis
06
Oral Papers at 60th Japanese Lung Cancer Society Conference at Fukuoka on Thymomas and Rigid Bronchoscopy
Dr. Ajay Narasimhan is a Thoracic Surgeon based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He holds an MBBS, an MS in General Surgery from Kilpauk Medical College, and an M.Ch in Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery from Madras Medical College. He is a Senior Consultant, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgeon, affiliated with Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
Q: Why do patients visit Dr. Ajay Narasimhan?
Patients consult Dr. Ajay Narasimhan for surgical evaluation and treatment of thoracic and chest-related conditions, including:
• Lung Conditions: Early-stage lung cancer requiring VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) or robotic lobectomy/segmentectomy, as well as benign lung diseases.
• Mediastinal & Thymic Diseases: Resection of mediastinal masses and thymomas, including robotic thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis.
• Airway & Tracheal Disorders: Complex tracheal stenosis, tracheal tumors, and tracheoesophageal fistulas requiring surgical reconstruction.
• Pleural & Chest Wall Conditions: Pleural biopsies, decortication, hyperhidrosis, and chest wall tumor resections.
Q: What is Dr. Ajay Narasimhan's specialisation?
Dr. Ajay Narasimhan specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery with a focus on Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery. His core technical focus includes:
• Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)
• Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS)
• Complex Tracheal and Airway Reconstruction
• Mediastinal and Thymic Surgery
Q: What is Dr. Ajay Narasimhan's experience?
Dr. Ajay Narasimhan has over 15 years of clinical experience in surgery. Key highlights include:
• Senior Resident & Faculty Roles: Served as a Senior Resident (2013–2016) and Senior Assistant Professor in the Institute of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (2016-2024)
• Surgical Milestone: Performed the first VATS Lobectomy in a government setup in Tamil Nadu.
• Consultant Practice: Serves as a Senior Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai since 2018
• Academic Honors: Member of the first Asian team to win the ESTS Masters Cup in Thoracic Surgery (an international thoracic surgery competition).
Q: What are Dr. Ajay Narasimhan's medical qualifications?
Dr Ajay Narasimhan holds MBBS., M.S., M.Ch (Cardiothoracic Surgery),, reflecting his comprehensive education in the field of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery.
Q: What is the difference between open thoracic surgery, VATS, and Robotic Thoracic Surgery (RATS)?
• Traditional Open Thoracotomy: Involves a large chest incision (15 to 25 cm) and spreading the ribs to access the lungs or chest cavity. It requires longer hospital stays and a extended recovery period.
• VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery): A minimally invasive "keyhole" technique using 1 to 3 tiny incisions between the ribs without rib spreading. A camera and specialized instruments are used to perform the operation.
• RATS (Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery): An advanced form of keyhole surgery where the surgeon operates a robotic system that translates hand movements into ultra-precise micro-movements inside the chest. It offers 3D high-definition visualization and wristed instruments that maneuver beyond the range of human hands.
Q: Are robotic and VATS procedures as safe and thorough as open surgery for cancer?
Yes. Major global clinical guidelines endorse VATS and robotic surgery for lung cancer and chest tumors. Studies consistently show that minimally invasive approaches provide equivalent oncological resections (complete removal of the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes) while significantly reducing surgical trauma, pain, blood loss, and recovery time.
Q: What is a Uniportal VATS Lobectomy, and when is it recommended?
A Uniportal VATS Lobectomy is the surgical removal of an entire lobe of the lung performed through single small incision. It is primarily recommended for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, localized bronchiectasis, or benign lung lesions. Because the ribs are not spread, patients experience far less pain post-operatively and return home much sooner than with conventional surgery.
Q: What is Robotic Thymectomy, and how does it help Myasthenia Gravis or Thymomas?
The thymus gland is located in the front of the chest, near the heart. A Robotic Thymectomy allows complete removal of the thymus gland or thymoma through three small incisions on one side of the chest. For patients with Myasthenia Gravis or a Thymoma, robotic removal provides high-precision clearance around delicate nerves and blood vessels without needing to split the breastbone (sternotomy).
Q: What conditions require Complex Tracheal or Airway Surgery?
Tracheal surgery is performed for conditions like tracheal stenosis (narrowing of the windpipe after prolonged intubation or tracheostomy), primary airway tumors, or tracheoesophageal fistulas. Dr. Ajay Narasimhan specializes in precise resection of the diseased airway section followed by meticulous end-to-end reconstruction to restore normal breathing.
Q: How long will I need to stay in the hospital after keyhole thoracic surgery?
While exact recovery times depend on individual patient health and the specific procedure:
• VATS / Robotic Surgery: Most patients are discharged within 2 to 4 days.
• Open Thoracotomy: Hospital stay typically ranges from 7 to 10 days.
Q: What is Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)?
ERAS is an evidence-based care protocol used by Dr. Ajay Narasimhan’s team. It integrates targeted nerve block pain management, early walking within 12 hours of surgery, rapid removal of chest drains, and optimized nutrition to accelerate your recovery and minimize complications.
Q: When can I resume normal daily activities and driving?
• Light daily tasks: Typically within 3 to 5 days after discharge.
• Driving and returning to desk work: Usually within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting (>5–10 kg): Usually permitted after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on clinical follow-up review.
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