Vijay Iyer, MD, PhD

Expert Publications

• Hydrogen peroxide and metabolic coronary flow regulation.

Media Releases

Buffalo Cardiologist Celebrates Milestones in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures and Medical Innovation

Dr. Vijay S. Iyer, MD, PhD, FACC, a nationally recognized interventional cardiologist, continues to revolutionize structural heart care in Western New York. As the Medical Director of Cardiology at Buffalo General Medical Center and the Structural Heart Program at Kaleida Health, Dr. Iyer has been instrumental in pioneering minimally invasive cardiac procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mitral clip therapy, and left atrial appendage occlusion. His leadership has positioned Buffalo as a hub for cutting-edge cardiovascular treatment, offering patients safer alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery. 

Dr. Iyer’s clinical expertise is matched by his commitment to innovation and education. He directs the Complex Valve Clinic at Buffalo General Medical Center and oversees structural heart interventions at the Gates Vascular Institute. His team achieved a major milestone in 2021 by completing their 2,000th TAVR procedure, making the program one of the most prolific in the region with some of the highest success and lowest mortality rates in New York State. These procedures have significantly improved outcomes for patients previously deemed inoperable, reducing recovery times and enhancing quality of life. 

Dr. Iyer’s academic journey began in Mumbai, India, where he earned his medical degree from Grant Medical College. He later completed a PhD in pharmacology at Drexel University and pursued fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at the University at Buffalo and the University of Minnesota, respectively. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology, and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Coronary Angiography and Interventions. 

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Iyer is deeply involved in research and education. He serves as a faculty member at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, mentoring residents and fellows in cardiology. His research interests include the development of new devices for aortic and mitral valve replacement, stem cell therapies for acute coronary syndromes, and the use of robotic-assisted PCI to enhance precision and reduce radiation exposure. Dr. Iyer is also a principal investigator in several multicenter clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of novel cardiac interventions. 

Dr. Iyer’s dedication to patient care, innovation, and education has earned him numerous accolades, including the Joel Gernsheimer Award and the Best Research Poster Award at the MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting. His work continues to shape the future of cardiology, bringing hope and advanced treatment options to patients across Western New York and beyond.

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