Dr Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, known as ‘Father of Angioplasty’ in India, no more

Eminent cardiologist Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, recognised as the ‘Father of Angioplasty’ in India, passes away. He was 77. 

He was undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Kalarickal made history by performing India’s first angioplasty in 1986 and played a key role in setting up angioplasty facilities across several countries.

After graduating from Kottayam Medical College in Kerala, he earned his DM in Cardiology from Madras Medical College in Chennai.

A pioneer in interventional cardiology, Dr. Mathew is renowned for his expertise in coronary angioplasty, carotid stenting, coronary stenting, and rotablator atherectomy. Early in his career, he served at Medistra Hospital in Jakarta and the Royal Hospital in Muscat before moving to the United States, where he trained under the legendary Dr. Andreas Gruentzig, the global pioneer of coronary angioplasty. In 1985, Dr. Mathew returned to India, bringing with him advanced techniques that would revolutionize cardiac care in the country.

Over his illustrious career, Dr. Mathew has performed more than 10,000 angioplasties. He was the first Indian cardiologist to introduce several cutting-edge procedures, including the use of drug-eluting bio-absorbable stents.

In addition to his groundbreaking work in the field, Dr. Mathew is the founder-convenor of the National Angioplasty Registry of India. He has also held prominent leadership roles on the international stage, serving as President of the Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology from 1995 to 1997 and as Chairman of Interventional Cardiology for the Asian-Pacific Society of Cardiology from 1995 to 1999.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field, Dr. Mathew was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1999.