Dr Lokeswara Rao Sajja

Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja, a well-known Cardiothoracic Surgeon, has made transformative contributions to the field of cardiac surgery through innovation, research, education, and service. His inclusion in the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Member Spotlight marked a significant milestone, making him only the fourth Indian surgeon to receive this distinction. Dr. Sajja’s remarkable journey began in Jandrapet Village, Andhra Pradesh. After completing his MBBS from Guntur Medical College and MS in General Surgery at JIPMER, Pondicherry,

Activity

In 2013, he established the Sajja Heart Foundation, a DSIR-recognized Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) focused on developing cost-effective solutions for heart disease. Under his leadership, the foundation conducted India’s first multicenter randomized controlled trial in cardiac surgery—the PROMOTE Patency Study— which was among the 16 landmark global RCTs in the field. He is currently spearheading the PREDICT Trial, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Dr. Sajja’s groundbreaking innovations include a mechanical prosthetic heart valve that does not require long-term oral anticoagulation—an achievement recognized with patents in both the USA (2020) and India (2023). Animal implantation studies for this valve are underway at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Thiruvananthapuram. He also designed the Mammary Artery Support Platform (MASP), which was nominated for the Best Innovation Award by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). His academic record is equally impressive: over 125 original research publications, with more than 3,700 citations, h-index 25, and i10-index 44. His research has been cited in more than 50 international textbooks on cardiothoracic surgery. He has contributed significantly to global knowledge through involvement in trials like the Arterial Revascularization Trial (ART) and ROMA Trial, serving as principal site investigator. Recognized for his academic and leadership excellence, Dr. Sajja has been: • Included on the Editorial Board of ICMR’s Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) for India. • Appointed to expert groups on Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS). • Nominated for the 2025 American College of Surgeons (ACS)/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Award – Academic Global Surgeon category. He has actively participated in numerous global forums and societies, including AATS, STS, EACTS, ASCVS, ISCAS, and SCS, and has presented his work at major international conferences.

Achievement

In 2024, he received the Blackbuck Pioneer Researcher Award, recognizing a lifetime of scientific achievement. In 2025, he was honored as the Exemplary Past President of IACTS during IACTSCON in New Delhi, a tribute to his leadership during his IACTS Presidency (2023–2024). Most recently, he was elected a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) in 2025, further cementing his standing as a global leader in cardiovascular surgery. Honors & Awards (Selected Highlights) • Dr. Yelavarthy Nayudamma Science & Technology Foundation Award (2022) – National • Blackbuck Pioneer Researcher Award (2024) – National • Exemplary Past President, IACTS (2025) – National • United States Patent (2020) & Indian Patent (2023) for Heart Valve Design – International/National • Indian Patent for MASP Device (2012) – National • Andhra Pradesh Scientist Award (2007) – State • Dr. C.S. Sadasivan Memorial Oration (2014) – National • Eminent DNB Teacher Award (2019) – National • Vaidhya Vibhushan, Chicago, USA (2016) – International • Dr. S.S. Rao Gold Medal Oration (2017) – State • Best Original Paper, IJTCS (2020) – National • Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Excellence Award (2020) – National • Millennium Medal of Honor (2000, USA) – International • Fellow of American College of Surgeons (FACS) (1997; reaffirmed in 2025) – International • Fellow of American College of Cardiology (FACC) (2025) – International • International Member, Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) (1999) – International • Founder President, Society of Coronary Surgeons (SCS) (2020) – National • President, IACTS (2023) – National • Limca Book of Records Award (1998) – National

Personal

Dr. Sajja’s impact transcends borders— his work is reshaping how heart surgery is understood and practiced in India and abroad. His lifelong mission continues through mentoring the next generation of surgeons, contributing to national healthcare policy, and advancing low-cost innovations for underserved populations. His AATS recognition, patents, fellowships, and numerous national and international honors are a testament to a career defined by dedication, innovation, and service.