India’s Father of Angioplasty Cardiologist Dr Mathew Samuel Kalarickal Passes Away at 77
New Delhi: Cardiologist Dr Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, widely revered as the ‘Father of Angioplasty’ in India, passed away on April 18, 2025, at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. He was 77 years old. His passing marks the end of a transformative era in Indian cardiology, where he played a pivotal role in introducing and advancing interventional cardiac procedures in the country.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 6, 1948, in Kottayam, Kerala, Dr Kalarickal pursued his undergraduate studies at Union Christian College, Aluva. He earned his MBBS from Government Medical College, Kottayam, in 1974, followed by an MD from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, in 1978, and a DM in Cardiology from Madras Medical College in 1981. He began his medical career as a tutor in pediatric surgery.
Global Training and Return to India
Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr Andreas Grüntzig, the Swiss physician known as the father of coronary angioplasty, Dr Kalarickal reached out to him through correspondence. Invited to Zurich on a scholarship, he trained under Dr Grüntzig and later accompanied him to the United States, where he conducted advanced research at Emory University in Atlanta. After gaining international experience, Dr Kalarickal returned to India in 1986 and performed the country’s first coronary angioplasty.
Professional Achievements
Dr Kalarickal was instrumental in advancing coronary angioplasty, carotid and coronary stenting in India. He also founded the National Angioplasty Registry of India to standardize and monitor angioplasty procedures nationwide. His contributions extended to the development of medical devices, holding patents for innovations such as the electronic algometer and the jugular venous pressure scale. He was among the early adopters of bioresorbable stents, which naturally dissolve in the body after restoring blood flow.
Honors and Recognition
In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Dr Kalarickal was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2000. He also received the Dr. B.C. Roy Award and the Doctor of Science Award for his contributions to medicine.
Legacy and Personal Life
Dr Kalarickal served as the Director of Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. He was also associated with other leading hospitals, including Lilavati Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, and Saifee Hospital in Mumbai. Over his career, he handled more than 15,000 cases, leaving an indelible mark on the field of cardiology.
He is survived by his wife, Beena Mathew, and children, Sam Mathew and An Mary Mathew.
Also Read: RIP Dr Cherian: Pioneer of Cardiac Surgery in India No More
Final Rites
Onmanorama reports that Dr Kalarickal’s funeral will be held on April 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at his residence in Mangalam, Kottayam, followed by the burial at St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church cemetery at 3:00 PM.