Vijay Iyer, MD, PhD

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• Hydrogen peroxide and metabolic coronary flow regulation.

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Transforming the Landscape of Cardiology in Buffalo and Beyond

Dr. Vijay Iyer, an esteemed interventional cardiologist, continues to make significant strides in the field of structural heart interventions at Buffalo General Medical Center and Gates Vascular Institute in New York. With a comprehensive background in general and interventional cardiology, his expertise extends to the management of complex valvular heart diseases, positioning him as a leading figure in cardiac care. He currently directs the complex valve clinic at Buffalo General Medical Center and oversees structural heart interventions at both the Gates Vascular Institute and Buffalo General Hospital.

Renowned for his proficiency in a broad range of advanced cardiology procedures, he specializes in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements (TAVR), Mitral Clip procedures, Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion, and various closure techniques for atrial and ventricular septal defects. Additionally, he performs routine diagnostic coronary angiograms and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI), ensuring comprehensive care for patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions.

An alumnus of Grant Medical College, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in Mumbai, India, where he earned his medical degree in Internal Medicine, Dr. Iyer further honed his skills with a PhD in Pharmacology from Drexel University and completed fellowships in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Minnesota and the University at Buffalo, respectively. He is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Society for Coronary Angiography and Interventions, and the American Society of Echocardiography.

Education is a cornerstone of Dr. Iyer's practice. He firmly believes that in today's technologically advanced medical landscape, it is vital for physicians to educate patients transparently about their treatment options. "I spend time with my patients to ensure that they are comfortable with the treatment options they choose and that they have a clear understanding of the alternatives, benefits, and risks," Dr. Iyer explains.

Beyond patient care, Dr. Iyer is deeply committed to training the next generation of cardiologists at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. He actively engages with residents and fellows through didactic sessions and bedside teaching, advising on research projects, and overseeing clinical training in outpatient settings. His collaborative approach also extends to working with the departments of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, as well as the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and expertise.

Dr. Iyer's research interests focus on groundbreaking developments in cardiology, particularly new devices for aortic and mitral valve replacement and novel therapies such as stem cells for acute coronary syndromes. His collaboration with the Toshiba Stroke Research Center aims to enhance imaging modalities in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Currently, he is investigating the use of robotic PCI to elevate precision in stent placement while minimizing radiation exposure for patients.

In his capacity as a local principal investigator, Dr. Iyer is involved in several multicenter clinical trials. Notable studies include evaluating the LOTUS transcatheter valve against the CoreValve in high-risk patients (Reprise III, Boston Scientific) and assessing the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at intermediate surgical risk (SURTAVI, Medtronic). Additionally, he is researching the efficacy of cardiac stem cells in patients with recent myocardial infarction and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ALLSTAR, Capricor).

Throughout his career, Dr. Iyer has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to research and clinical excellence. He has been recognized with various awards, including the Joel Gernsheimer Award in 2001 and the Best Research Poster Award at the MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting in 1999. His academic accolades also include distinctions in Preventive and Social Medicine, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Human Physiology from the University of Bombay.

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