A landmark in Indian medical history was made in 1961 when Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, performed South India’s first successful open-heart surgery. This pioneering achievement placed CMC among the foremost cardiac centers in Asia, advancing India’s capability in complex cardiac care.
The procedure was conducted by a dedicated team of surgeons and anesthesiologists under the leadership of Dr. Reeve H. Betts, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon from the United States who played a key role in establishing advanced cardiac surgery at CMC.
- The surgery involved cardiopulmonary bypass—a cutting-edge technique at the time.
- It laid the foundation for the establishment of a dedicated Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at CMC Vellore.
- CMC became a referral center for complex heart surgeries, attracting patients from across India and abroad.
“This moment changed the landscape of heart care in India. It marked the beginning of modern cardiac surgery in South India,” said a senior CMC faculty member.
| Attribute | Details |
| Hospital | Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore |
| Location | Vellore, Tamil Nadu |
| Milestone | First open-heart surgery in South India |
| Year | 1961 |
| Lead Surgeon | Dr. Reeve H. Betts |
| Significance | One of the earliest heart surgeries using heart-lung bypass in India |
Today, CMC Vellore is globally recognized for its excellence in cardiology and heart surgery. The 1961 open-heart surgery stands as a defining moment in Indian medical progress, especially in the southern region.
