Steffne J. Kunnirickal, MD

What are some of the specific conditions you treat?

I care for patients with the full spectrum of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease. In addition to general cardiology, I have a particular interest and expertise in ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and frequently evaluate patients with persistent chest pain syndromes despite non-diagnostic conventional testing. 

What techniques or procedures do you use in your practice?

As an interventional cardiologist, I perform diagnostic coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) including complex and high-risk PCI, right heart catheterization, pericardiocentesis, pulmonary embolism thrombectomy and endomyocardial biopsy. I also utilize mechanical circulatory support for both high-risk PCI and the management of cardiogenic shock.

I incorporate advanced physiologic assessment tools such as coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), as well as acetylcholine provocation testing to evaluate coronary vasospasm and microvascular dysfunction. I also use intravascular imaging technologies, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), to precisely guide and optimize interventions.

Beyond procedures, my practice emphasizes individualized medical therapy, lifestyle guidance, and longitudinal follow-up to support long-term cardiovascular health. 

Describe some of your professional highlights.

My career has focused on advancing high-quality, patient-centered cardiovascular care while expanding recognition and treatment of complex ischemic syndromes beyond obstructive coronary disease. 

• Lee, B., Rahim, M.A., Specter, M., Wojewoda, O., Goldschmidt, H., Chang, E., Rahim, H., Litwok, Y., Kunnirickal, S., Kim, F., Grau, J., & Tayal, R. (2026). Valve migration after EVOQUE in annuloplasty band rescued with SAPIEN-in-EVOQUE strategy. Structural Heart. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shj.2026.101094.