English translation of a Tamil-language feature published in Thozhil Nesan (Tamil & English Monthly), July 2026, Volume 21, Issue 3, pages 14–15. The original pages are reproduced at the end of this article.
With eighteen years of experience in cardiac surgery, Dr. Mohammed Idhrees, one of Chennai’s leading doctors in cardiac care, has recently been honoured with a doctorate (PhD) by the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands for his research in aortic surgery. When we recently met and spoke with him…
“For eighteen years I have been providing cardiac surgical care to patients. I currently work at SIMS Hospital, Vadapalani.
“Before this, I received specialist training in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram. I also undertook specialist training in Belgium. I take pride in being a specialist in coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve repair and replacement, and aortic surgery. To develop my skills in aortic surgery, I undertook specialist training in Italy. Recently, wanting to understand the challenges and treatment methods in aortic surgery, I set out to research them and carried out the work it required. Having now completed my research, I have received my doctorate through the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands,” he said.
What His Patients Say
He is approachable and explains the condition very realistically, and he is committed to providing world-class care. He is regarded as one of the finest doctors in cardiac surgery in Chennai, and handles bypass surgery with specialised techniques. Without causing any fear, he explains the nature of the illness and excels at providing the treatment that is needed. Experienced patients shared that the surgeries he has performed have secured their heartbeat and heart function for many years to come.
On His Doctoral Research
“I was awarded a doctorate (PhD) for pioneering research in aortic surgery.”
This research, which examined the treatment approaches followed in Western countries and how they can be applied in India, presenting them through comparison, has been widely appreciated.
The research closely examined the differences in aortic dimensions, body build and regional disease patterns between Indian and Western populations. Its findings directly challenge the universal application of the major international surgical thresholds (ACC / AHA / EACTS), which were largely derived from Western datasets.
Compared with Western populations, aortic dimensions among Indians are significantly smaller in all segments (except the aortic root). Women’s aortas are consistently smaller than men’s; however, when the aorta is measured relative to body surface area (BSA) and body mass index (BMI), this difference changes and the measurements require adjustment. This allows surgery to be planned in comparison with Western populations.
Current international guidelines recommend surgery for ascending aortic aneurysms at an absolute diameter of 55 mm. To reach this threshold, the aorta of an average person in Western regions would need to enlarge by 61% (America) to 66% (the Netherlands) from its starting size. An Indian patient’s aorta, meanwhile, would need to enlarge by 76% before surgery is begun. This makes it difficult to bring Indian patients to surgery in time, and can be seen as dangerous.
The Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons has stated that the research carried out by Dr. Mohammed Idhrees serves as a guide to overcoming these shortcomings and offering Indian patients appropriate surgery, and that it is a matter of pride for all. The Association celebrates this great academic milestone, which raises the global standing of Indian cardiac surgery and paves the way for safe, data-driven aortic treatment in our region.
Thozhil Nesan monthly proudly congratulates Dr. Mohammed Idhrees on receiving his doctorate for this research.
— Reba, Thozhil Nesan
The Article as Published
