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Dr Refai Showkathali

Cardiology
22+ Years  experience
MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCP(Lon),CCT in Cardio(UK), FACC(USA), Fellowship in TAVI (Lon),FESC(Eur)
09:00 -17:00  •  Mon-Sat English  •  Hindi  •  Tamil  •  Malayalam

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    Overview

    Dr. Refai Showkathali is a distinguished 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.


     

    Hospital Details
    Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai
    Apollo Hospitals 21, Greams Lane, Off Greams Road Chennai 600 006 Ph:044-28290200/3333, Chennai, TN, 600006

    Experience

    • 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 

    Memberships

    MEMBERSHIPS:

    • The Fellowship of The American College of Cardiology (FACC)
    • The Fellowship of The Royal College of Physicians (London)- FRCP
    • The Fellowship of European Society of Cardiology (FESC)
    • British Cardiovascular society (BCS)
    • British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS)
    • European Association of Percutaneous cardiovascular intervention (EAPCI)
    • American Heart Association (AHA)

    Awards

    • Successfully performed “World’s first Renal denervation procedure” in ectopic kidneys (left kidney on right side) with Medtronic Simplicity Spyral RDN catheter on 30 April 2024.
    • Successfully performed TRIC Valve implantation for severe tricuspid regurgitation for a 70-year-old patient in February 2024, who already had two prosthetic heart valves.
    • Performed first Renal denervation procedure with Simplicity Spyral denervation catheter in Tamil Nadu and the oldest patient to undergo this procedure in India (73 years) in September 2023.
    • Performed India’s first transradial (via wrist) rotablation with the new Rotapro device for left main stem PCI on 25 April 2022 in a 74-year-old male patient.
    • First to perform successful transradial rotablation PCI in a nonagenarian (93-year-old) in South India in 2018.
    • 2012 Winner of Academic Poster of the Year Award – East of England Deanery
    • 2011 “Runner-up” Research Proposal of the Year Award – East of England Deanery
    • First time in India to perform “Micra” leadless pacemaker and “Orbital atherectomy” guided PCI for the same patient.
    • First to perform Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) in left main artery with IABP support and complex DK crush technique angioplasty in India for a live case demonstration.
    • First to perform bi-radial Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) PCI technique of 100% blocked artery retrogradely in India.
    • He regularly presents complex cardiac cases at international conferences, some of which have been selected as best cases at SCAI and EURO PCR.

    Research and Publication

    RESEARCH:

    • Acute Haemodynamic changes after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). (King’s College Hospital, London
    • Observational study aimed to define the immediate haemodynamic changes after BAV and TAVI and to identify the mechanism of observed LV impairment
    • Co-investigator in the following TAVI related studies: (King’s College Hospital Sapien-3 (Edwards) Valve PORTICO valve JENNA valve
    • Risk scoring model for heart failure (Pilot study): (The Essex CTC)
    • Small pilot study of 150 patients to try and develop a model for risk scoring to predict mortality and re-admission within 30 days of index admission in patients with heart failure.

    PUBLICATIONS :

    • The use of Embolic deflector device in TAVI. Refai Showkathali, R Dworakowski, J Byrne, P MacCarthy, London. IHJ Case reports 2016 Valve in Valve implanatation to prevent prosthetic valve migration in TAVI. R Showkathali, R Dworakowski, P MacCarthy, IHJ 2015
    • Incidental findings during TAVI work-up: More than just an inconvenience. - Original article Refai Showkathali, Arup Sen, Rafal Dwarakowski, Beth Brickham, Olaf Wendler, Philip MacCarthy. King’s College Hospital, London.Eurointervention 2014 Jun 28. pii: 20130626-03. doi: 10.4244/EIJY14M06
    • Should primary percutaneous coronary intervention be the routine reperfusion strategy in octogenarians presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction? Refai Showkathali, Edney Boston-Griffiths, Michael Parker, John R Davies, Gerald J Clesham, Jeremy W Sayer, Paul A Kelly, Rajesh K Aggarwal. The Essex CTC, UK J Cardiovasc Med. 2014; 15(1):53-9
    • Comparison of Bivalirudin with Heparin versus Abciximab with Heparin for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in "real-world" practice. Refai Showkathali, John R Davies, Michael Parker, Wasing Taggu, Kare H Tang, Gerald J Clesham, Reto A Gamma, Jeremy W Sayer, Rajesh K Aggarwal, Paul A Kelly. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2013 14(5):289-93
    • The advantages of a consultant led primary percutaneous coronary intervention service on patient outcome.Refai Showkathali, John R Davies, Jeremy W Sayer, Paul A Kelly, Rajesh K Aggarwal, Gerald J Clesham. The Essex Cardiothoracic centre, UK QJM. 2013 Jun 29.
    • Radio frequency ablation of arrhythmias guided by non-fluoroscopic catheter location: A prospective randomized trial. Mark J Earley, Refai Showkathali, Maysaa Alzetani, Peter M Kistler, Dhiraj Gupta, Dominic J Abram, Julie A Horrocks, Stuart Harris, Simon C Sporton, Richard J Schilling. Eur. Heart J. 2006 May; 27:1223 – 1229
    • Right atrial flutter isthmus ablation is feasible and results in acute clinical improvement in patients with persistent atrial flutter and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension Refai Showkathali, Muzahir H. Tayebjee, Julia Grapsa, Maysaa Alzetani, Petros Nihoyannopoulos, Luke S Howard, David C Lefroy, J Simon R Gibbs. Hammersmith Hospital Int J Cardiol. 2011; 149(2):279-80
    • Multi-disciplinary clinic: Next step in “Heart team” approach for TAVI.
    • Refai Showkathali, Raj Chelliah, Beth Brickham, Rafal Dworakowski, Emma Alcock, Ranjit Deshpande, Olaf Wendler, Philip MacCarthy, Jonathan Byrne.
    • Should primary percutaneous coronary intervention be the routine reperfusion strategy in octogenarians presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction?
    • Refai Showkathali, Edney Boston-Griffiths, Michael Parker, John R Davies, Gerald J Clesham, Jeremy W Sayer, Paul A Kelly, Rajesh K Aggarwal. The Essex CTC, UK
    • J Cardiovasc Med. 2014; 15(1):53-9
    • Typical Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients admitted for primary percutaneous coronary intervention.- Original article
    • Refai Showkathali, Hetalkumar Patel, Anil Ramoutar, Alamgir M Kabir, Jeremy W Sayer, Gerald J Clesham, Rajesh K Aggarwal, Paul A Kelly.
    • Eur J Intern Med. 2013 Oct 3. doi:pii: S0953-6205(13)00942-4. 10.1016/j.ejim.2013.09.004
    • Comparison of Bivalirudin with Heparin versus Abciximab with Heparin for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in "real-world" practice.
    • Refai Showkathali, John R Davies, Michael Parker, Wasing Taggu, Kare H Tang, Gerald J Clesham, Reto A Gamma, Jeremy W Sayer, Rajesh K Aggarwal, Paul A Kelly.
    • Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2013 14(5):289-93
    • Current case mix and results of catheter ablation of regular supraventricular tachycardia: are we giving unrealistic expectation to patients?
    • Refai Showkathali, Mark J Earley, Maysaa Alzetani, Stuart Harris, Dhiraj Gupta, Peter Kistler, Simon Sporton, Anthony W Nathan, Richard J Schilling.
    • Europace. November 2007; 9(11): 1064 – 1068
    • Radio frequency ablation of arrhythmias guided by non-fluoroscopic catheter location: A prospective randomized trial.
    • Mark J Earley, Refai Showkathali, Maysaa Alzetani, Peter M Kistler, Dhiraj Gupta, Dominic J Abram, Julie A Horrocks, Stuart Harris, Simon C Sporton, Richard J Schilling.Eur. Heart J. 2006 May; 27:1223 – 1229
    • Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: a short review.Shahbaz Roshanzamir, Refai Showkathali.Curr Cardiol Rev. 2013;9 (3): 191-6
    • Rosuvastatin calcium in acute coronary syndromes.Rajesh Aggarwal, Refai Showkathali.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2013 Jun;14(9):1215-27
    • Antiplatelet and Antithrombin Strategies in Acute Coronary Syndrome: State-Of-The-Art Review.Refai Showkathali, Arun Natarajan.Curr Cardiol Rev. 2012;8: 239-49
    • Echocardiography and the critically ill patient.Refai Showkathali, Derek Hausenloy. Hammersmith Hospital, London Current Anaes and Critical Care 2006- Volume 17, Issues 3-4: 237-244
    • He regularly presents research papers in International Cardiology conferences in UK, Europe and USA. He has published extensively in the field of cardiology with more than 50 peer reviewed publications in renowned International Journals, most of which are first or lead author. He also regularly review manuscripts for various cardiology and general medical journals from UK, Europe and USA (Heart, Open Heart, Eurointervention, Indian Heart journal, “Current cardiology review” etc within the last one year)

    Special Interests

    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

    List of Treatments

    • Mitraclip
    • TRIC Valve
    • Renal Denervation for Hypertension
    • Rotational Atherectomy
    • Orbital Atherectomy
    • Laser Angioplasty
    • Intravascular Lithotripsy
    • Impella
    • ECMO
    • IABP
    • CTO PCI
    • LMS PCI
    • IVUS/OCT
    • Post Bypass Angioplasty
    • LBB Pacemaker
    • Leadless Pacemaker
    • AICD
    • CRT-D
    • Zero Contrast Angioplasty

    Conditions and Procedures

    Coronary artery disease
    Aortic valve stenosis
    Mitral valve regurgitation
    Tricuspid atresia
    Acute Myocardial Infarction
    Heart failure
    Heart disease
    Palpitations
    Cardiomyopathy

    Client Reviews

    • User

      Karthikeyan Parthasarathy

      One of the best cardiologist I have ever met, experienced to the core, diagnosis is perfect, clearly explains the issue, never prescribes anything extra, every visit either reduces dosage or stops medicine if there is a cure,

    • User

      Sasikala Ravichandran

      Dr Refai is a very calm and down to earth person. He has vast knowledge is his area of expertise about latest methods and procedures has eye to detail and very professional approach. He is very attentive and explains very well.

    • User

      Raveendran G

      Very cordial and taking care of patients

    • User

      Kannan S S

      Very sincere and courteous..Explains everything to patients very clearly. Very experienced doctor .

    • User

      Asrar Ahmed

      Satisfactory

    • User

      Muthu Munas

      Excellent Doctor. He is very soft person and he nicely explain the issues related with health problem to the patients. He did several angioplasty to many patients. He did me too. I am perfectly alright now.

    • User

      Kamala V

      Very efficient, kind to approach, clear doubts

    • User

      Abu Huraira

      Proper Diagnosis, Satisfied treatment and Good results ! ... A year ago , My mother experienced a heart attack and subsequently developed heart failure and pulmonary edema . We approached many doctors, none of them gave positive consolidation and insisted Bypass surgery . And then we came to know about Dr.Refai Showkath Ali and approached him for treatment. The diagnosis , approach , treatment were all good and he gave hope and immense support by regular follow up through mail and doubt clarifications and recommended angioplasty with stent placement instead of bypass . We opted the same and the procedure was finished within a day followed by observation for one day and then she got discharged. Now she's doing well Alhamdulillah! Hence I recommend him a lot through my fortunate experience.

    • User

      Gdm Yasir Firdousi

      மருத்துவர் ரிஃபாய் ஷவ்கத் அவர்கள் இதய நோயாளிகளுக்கு அரிதினும் அரிதாக கிடைத்த மாபெரும் பொக்கிஷம் ஆவார்கள். எங்கள் தாயாருக்கு மாரடைப்பு ஏற்பட்டு பாண்டிச்சேரி அருகிலுள்ள மருத்துவகல்லூரியுடன் இணைந்த பிரபல மருத்துவமனையில் சேர்த்தோம். இதய பரிசோதனை செய்து பார்த்தபோது மூன்று இடங்களில் அடைப்பு இருப்பதாகவும் பைபாஸ் அறுவை சிகிச்சை மட்டுமே இதற்கு தீர்வு என்று உறுதியாக தெரிவித்தனர்.இந்நிலையில் மருத்துவர் ரிஃபாய் ஷவ்கத் அவர்களுடைய அறிமுகம் கிடைத்தது. மருத்துவர் ரிஃபாய் ஷவ்கத் அவர்கள் இதற்கு பைபாஸ் தேவையில்லை ஸ்டாண்டு சிகிட்சையே போதுமானது என்று ஸ்டண்ட் சிகிச்சை அளித்தார்கள் .இப்போது எங்கள் தாயார் நலமாக இருக்கிறார்கள். நாங்கள் அடைந்துள்ள மகிழ்ச்சிக்கு அளவேயில்லை. ஏக இறைவன் மருத்துவர் அவர்களை எல்லா நலமும்.வளமுடன் நீடூழி வாழவைத்து இதயநோயாளிகளின் வாழ்விற்கு இறைவன் அருளால் ஒளிவீசி வழிகாட்டும் கலங்கரை விளக்காக நீடூழி திகழட்டும். மவ்லவி:GDMயாசிர் ஃபிர்தவ்ஸி.

    • User

      Praveen Menon

      An excellent doctor with a pleasant personality who gives you a patient hearing Have known him from 2018 and all those who I have recommended have only had good things to say about him. Wishing him all the best for the future

    • User

      MAG SUNITHA

      I had a major complicated heart surgery in April 2021..By the grace of lord and intense care of Dr.Refai Showkathalli I am Alive today..When I about to arrest, he rushed to the hospital .it was late night ( 11pm till 4am) he stayed in the hospital and saved me..Praise be to the lord and grateful thanks to Dr.Refai.God bless and your family and let your hands save lots of life..

    • User

      shaik Ali

      Best cardiologist doctor I've ever seen

    • User

      NATARAJAN SARAVANAN

      Very kind and positive Confident and excellent experience doctor.thank you so much for your kind valuable services ?

    • User

      Chandramohan Ramasamy

      A soft spoken Doctor capable of right diagnosis and prescribing required medicines only. Unwanted procedures and unwanted medicines are out of place for him. Clears all doubts regarding treatment very patiently to the fullest satisfaction. A calm and nice Doctor.

    • User

      Bubuluddin Ahmed

      Good doctor

    • User

      Sampa Mitra

      Better

    • User

      Sudhangshu Paul

      Good

    • User

      aria chetry

      Best treatment, good staff. Best results, doctor refai has been treating my dad since 2016 and there's been a lot of improvement on my dad's health Highly recommended

    • User

      Malik Ahmed

      Sir is very much helpful. He is very much good doctor. I wish his bright future. Ameen.

    • User

      Ajay Mohan

      Dr. Refai Showkathali, has been a phenomenal person in our lives. He is the main reason that my dad at the age of 64 is leading a very normal life. Things did not look good in Nov 2020, when my dad complained of ill-health at the peak of the pandemic. He had a history of heart disease due to high cholesterol levels and I was unfortunately living outside India at that time. I didn't know how to get help for my dad and was really helpless. I consider finding Dr. Refai as my luckiest accident. I set up a virtual visit with him, and Dr. Refai understood the situation immediately and was totally onboard to help. He was very responsive over the email as I was stuck due to travel restrictions, explained to me the results of diagnoses at every stage. He performed two intervention procedures on my dad to remove blocks in the blood vessels and relieve him of pain and poor health. My father felt really great after the procedures and none of the original complaints came back. We have since then been regularly following up with Dr.Refai annually every 6months and are very happy with the care we receive from him and his team. May he go on to save many more lives with his super power???

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    Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where does Dr. Refai Showkathali practice?

    Dr. Refai Showkathali currently practices at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, located in Chennai.

    Who is Dr. Refai Showkathali?

    Dr. Refai Showkathali is a highly experienced Cardiologist with 22 years of expertise in the field. He is known for providing exceptional patient care and advanced medical treatments. He also treats conditions such as Barth Syndrome, Preventive Care Of Heart Lung Diseases.

    Why do patients choose Dr. Refai Showkathali?

    Patients trust Dr. Refai Showkathali for he expertise, patient-centric approach, and commitment to providing the highest standard of care. He is well-versed in the latest medical advancements and ensures personalized treatment for every patient.

    What is Dr. Refai Showkathali’s specialization?

    Dr. Refai Showkathali specializes in Cardiology, with expertise in treating conditions such as Acute Aortic Dissection, Acute Pericarditis, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy.

    What are Dr. Refai Showkathali’s medical qualifications?

    Dr. Refai Showkathali holds prestigious qualifications, including MBBS, MRCP(UK), FRCP(Lon),CCT in Cardio(UK), FACC(USA), Fellowship in TAVI (Lon),FESC(Eur).

    How many years of experience does Dr. Refai Showkathali have?

    Dr. Refai Showkathali has 22 years of experience in the medical field, treating various conditions related to Cardiology.

    How can I book an appointment with Dr. Refai Showkathali?

    You can book an appointment with Dr. Refai Showkathali through:
    Online: Visit https://www.apollohospitals.com/book-doctor-appointment/ to schedule an appointment.

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