Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital welcomes heart specialist Dr. Rajesh Venkataraman

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital welcomes Rajesh Venkataraman, M.D. to its dedicated heart team, comprised of board- certified cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons.

Dr. Venkataraman is board certified in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiovascular disease and general medicine and joins Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates.

His special interests include ablation procedures, arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, electrophysiology, lead extraction, left atrial appendage occlusion and pacemakers. In 2017, Venkataraman brought the world’s smallest pacemaker to Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. The new device is the size of a vitamin and, unlike other pacemakers, does not require cardiac wires (leads) or a surgical “pocket” under the skin to deliver a pacing therapy. Instead, the device is small enough to be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart with small tines. So far, Venkataraman has performed five of these procedures in The Woodlands.

“Understanding cardiac electrophysiology problems and therapies is not easy for patients, and the procedures we perform are highly technical,” said Venkataraman. “My goal is to reach a successful outcome while supporting and educating my patients along the way.”

The heart team at Houston Methodist The Woodlands also includes Lucas Duvall, M.D., FACS, cardiothoracic surgeon and Vice President of Medical Staff, along with interventional cardiologists Ali Ayoubi, M.D., Ali Rizvi, M.D. and Paul Cunningham, III, M.D., who also serves as Department Chair of Cardiology.

From cholesterol management to the most complex cardiac procedures, the team is committed to providing the highest quality care with the best possible outcomes for patients. The heart team sees patients on the campus of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital on the 6th floor of Medical Office Building 1, located at 17183 I-45 South in The Woodlands, and at Houston Methodist Comprehensive Care Center in Conroe, located at 4015 I-45 North in Conroe.

To conveniently schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/online-scheduling or call 936.270.3933.