Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD
Program director
Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, MA, FAHA, FACC, FHRS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiologist specializing in clinical cardiac electrophysiology with Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health in Kansas City. Dr. Gopinathannair has over a decade of clinical experience and has performed more than 3,500 procedures including over 2,000 catheter ablations, 1,500 device implantations, and 200 left atrial appendage (LAA) closure procedures. His research interests focus mainly on arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathies as well as implantable device therapy and complex arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) for advanced heart failure. Dr. Gopinathannair has made significant contributions to cardiac electrophysiology literature, having published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and abstract presentations, along with several book chapters. Dr. Gopinathannair is also the current Chairman for the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Communications Committee, Vice Chair for the American Heart Association (AHA) National Electrocardiography and Arrhythmias Committee, and is a member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Electrophysiology Leadership Council.
Rajesh Kabra, MD
Associate program director
Dr. Kabra is a seasoned cardiac electrophysiologist with over a decade of clinical experience in caring for patients with arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders. Dr. Kabra is passionate about the field of cardiac electrophysiology as it represents the cutting-edge frontier of cardiology and offers novel, state-of-the-art therapies for patients with arrhythmias. Dr. Kabra is very active in clinical research and has served as local principal investigator for several multicenter clinical studies. He has authored several manuscripts in prestigious journals including the Journal of American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Journal, American Journal of Cardiology, and Journal of the American Medical Association.
Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy, MD
With nearly 30 years of medical experience, Dr. Lakkireddy provides highly-advanced treatment options that care cure symptomatic, drug-resistant inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) by performing a cutting-edge surgery called the sinus node sparing hybrid ablation procedure. Dr. Lakkireddy also has specialized clinical expertise and interest in electrophysiology, complex arrhythmia management (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia), heart ablation, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), pacemaker and other device implantation and management, cardiac resynchronization therapy and pulmonary artery pressure sensors in heart failure, premature ventricular contractions, syncope, adult congenital and inherited cardiac rhythm disorders (Long QT, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, Brugada syndrome), and myocarditis. He is a renowned leader in electrophysiology research and education.
Douglas Darden, MD
Douglas Darden, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiologist specializing in cardiac electrophysiology with Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health. Dr. Darden is skilled in the medical management and catheter ablation treatment of atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and ventricular tachycardia. He has significant experience in managing complex cases, including redo ablations for patients with recurrent arrhythmias and procedures in those with challenging anatomy. He incorporates advanced technologies and ablation techniques, such as pulse field ablation, and focuses on fluoroless techniques to eliminate radiation exposure during procedures. Additionally, Dr. Darden is experienced in device implantation, including conduction system pacing and lead extraction, tailoring treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs.As a leader in the management of arrhythmias in athletes and recreational exercisers, Dr. Darden is passionate about helping patients maintain or regain their activity levels.
Krishna Pothineni, MD
Krishna Pothineni, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology with Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health.is a board-certified, fellowship-trained cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology with Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute at HCA Midwest Health.