CONSULTANT NEUROSURGEON AND NEUROVASCULAR SPECIALIST
About Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan
“Every operation is an opportunity to restore hope, function, and quality of life.”
— Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan, Consultant Neurosurgeon, with a special interest in neurovascular surgery
Introduction & Philosophy of Care
With over 17 years of clinical experience, Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan specialises in complex neurovascular, brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve surgery, combining technical precision with a calm, compassionate approach to care.
Recognised for his skill in treating complex and often life-threatening conditions, he is trusted by patients and peers alike for his ability to provide clarity, confidence, and reassurance at every stage of treatment.
Whether performing intricate neurovascular surgery or guiding a patient through a difficult diagnosis and treatment journey, Mr Kailaya-Vasan’s philosophy is simple: listen, explain, and act with precision and empathy.
Areas of Expertise
Neurovascular Surgery
As one of the UK’s leading specialists in neurovascular surgery, Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan treats complex medical conditions of the brain and spine, where precision and timing are critical to preserving life and function.
His expertise covers the management of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernomas, and dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFs). Through refined microsurgical technique and deep anatomical understanding, he delivers highly precise treatment options for conditions that often carry significant risk.
His work is supported by advanced imaging tests that help identify each vessel in the brain, guide the type of surgery, and protect surrounding tissues throughout the procedure.
Spinal Surgery
With extensive experience in spinal disorders, Mr Kailaya-Vasan offers expert assessment and treatment for degenerative, traumatic, and vascular conditions of the spine. He performs procedures such as spinal decompression, and discectomy, always aiming for the most effective solution that restores movement, stability, and comfort.
Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Mr Kailaya-Vasan also treats peripheral nerve compression and injury, helping patients regain strength, sensation, and confidence in their daily lives. He performs procedures including carpal tunnel decompression, and ulnar nerve release, focusing on long-term recovery and quality of life.
Early Journey & Motivation
Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan’s interest in neurosurgery began during his medical degree at University College London, when he witnessed the profound impact that skilled, timely intervention can have on patients’ lives. His early fascination with the intricacy of surgery was encouraged by his first mentor.
“He took me to the skills labs to do vascular anastomoses in my first year as a doctor and spoke to me about the intricacy of surgery. I still have a picture of that first anastomosis.”
During his higher neurosurgical training in Sheffield and London, Mr Kailaya-Vasan developed a particular passion for neurovascular surgery, drawn to its technical challenge, beautiful anatomy, and the life-changing outcomes it can deliver.
“Vascular for me was about the intricacy of the surgery and beautiful anatomy.”
He went on to achieve the FRCS (Neuro.Surg) qualification from the Royal College of Surgeons, and completed an advanced Neurovascular Fellowship at King’s College Hospital, where he refined his expertise in complex brain and spine surgery.
For Mr Kailaya-Vasan, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing patients regain quality of life - whether that’s helping someone return to independence after a life-threatening condition or relieving pain that has dominated their daily life for years.
Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan holds several senior positions that reflect his leadership in neurosurgery and his commitment to advancing the field through education and research. He is Clinical Lead at King’s College Hospital and Network Clinical Lead for the South Thames Neurosurgery Network, overseeing regional collaboration and service development.
As Co-Director of the King’s Neurovascular Fellowship (Royal College of Surgeons-accredited) and Co-Lead of the King’s NeuroLab at King’s College London, he helps train the next generation of neurosurgeons in complex neurovascular and spinal surgery.
Mr Kailaya-Vasan founded and leads the Multidisciplinary Simulation (MDT SIM) Course in neurosurgical theatres, a pioneering programme designed to strengthen communication, flatten hierarchy, and enhance patient safety during emergencies.
As an Honorary Senior Lecturer at King’s College London, he contributes to surgical anatomy teaching, research innovation, and collaborative projects spanning neurovascular and spinal pathology. His academic work includes over 50 peer-reviewed publications focused on improving surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and safety in the operating theatre.
Leadership, Research & Education
Global & Humanitarian Work
Dedicated to advancing access to neurosurgical care worldwide, Mr Kailaya-Vasan has worked on development projects in Kenya and is helping establish system-level improvements in Sri Lanka, supporting better infrastructure and outcomes for patients in underserved regions.
Peer Perspective
“I have known Dr Ahilan since 2023 when he came to train me in cerebrovascular surgeries during a camp at Tenwek hospital. He stands out as an excellent neurosurgeon both in skills and at heart, combining great skill level and competence as well as compassionate care for the patients he serves. Dr Ahilan is a great trainer and has remained to be my mentor in cerebrovascular surgeries. Up-to-date he continues to support the Tenwek neurosurgery department by giving his invaluable advice on complex cerebrovascular cases done in our department. I lack enough words to describe how great a support he is.”
- Emmanuel Wafula Wekesa, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Tenwek Hospital, Kenya
Where Mr Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan Practices
The Wellington Hospital
Private hospital in London
8A Wellington Place, St John’s Wood, London NW8 9LE
Closest Tube: St John’s Wood (Jubilee line)
The London Clinic
Private hospital in London
20 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6BW
Closest Tube: Regent’s Park or Bond Street
LIPS, Battersea Power Station
Private clinic in London
Turbine Hall B, Level 1, Circus Road South, London SW11 8DD
Closest Tube: Battersea Power Station (Northern line)
Chelsfield Park Hospital
Private hospital in Orpington
Bucks Cross Rd, Chelsfield, Orpington BR6 7RG
Nearest rail: Chelsfield; close to M25 J4
Platinum Medical Centre
Private Outpatient clinic in London
15–17 Lodge Road, London NW8 7JA
Closest Tube: St John’s Wood (Jubilee line)
King’s College Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust private care in Denmark Hill, London
Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
Closest Tube: Denmark Hill