Experience Japan's Cutting-Edge,
Minimally Invasive Treatment.
Trust Us for Your Heart Valve Disease Care.
Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgey, Robotic Cardiac Surgery,
Transcather interventions (TAVI, MitraClip, Neochord)
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Professor and Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine
Executive Chair, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toranomon Hospital - Minoru Tabata, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
From all available treatment methods,
we propose the most appropriate solution tailored to each individual patient
While pursuing less invasive treatment methods like Endoscopic MICS/Robotic Surgery, TAVI, and MitraClip, we perform all types of heart valve surgeries, from complex procedures via a median sternotomy, to hybrid treatments that combine catheter treatments and surgical procedures
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) / Robotic Cardiac Surgery
- Endoscopic MICS
- Minimally invasive heart surgery performed endoscopically without cutting the sternum or spreading the ribs
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The surgical incision from endoscopic MICS is less noticeable, offering aesthetic benefits as well.
- What Diseases Can Be Treated With MICS?
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- Mitral valve disease
- Aortic valve disease
- Tricuspid valve disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Intra-cardiac thrombosis
- Cardiac tumors
- Atrial septal defect
- Combined conditions of these diseases
MICS (Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery) is a surgical approach performed without incising the sternum. Many facilities use a large incision and a metal retractor to perform direct vision MICS, however, we employ endoscopic MICS which involves using an endoscope and does not require widening the incision. The incision for endoscopic MICS typically consists of one 2-5 cm wound (the incision size depends on the patient’s body size and complexity of surgery) and several 5 mm holes. Compared to direct vision MICS or traditional surgical methods that involve a 15-20 cm incision in the center of the chest, a key feature of endoscopic MICS is reduced postoperative pain. Furthermore, the use of a high-definition endoscope provides an incredibly clear view of the heart, which is extremely beneficial for surgeons aiming to achieve a high quality of surgery.
Since December 2022, we have also been conducting robotic cardiac surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system. While the use of the robot does not necessarily reduce the size of the incision, it serves as a valuable tool for endoscopic MICS and is used for cases where its application seems beneficial. (More articles about robotic cardiac surgery can be found below.)
I have performed more than 1,300 cases of MICS. As part of the MICS Instructor/Operator Certification system established by the Japanese Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in 2023, I am certified as one of only 21 MICS instructors nationwide (as of June 2023).
Duration:2004 to December 31,2023
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: TAVI
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- Transcatheter valves
- What Disease Can Be Treated With TAVI?
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- Aortic stenosis with or without regurgitation
TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation or Replacement) is a catheter treatment for aortic stenosis, involving the delivery of a folded artificial valve via a catheter, which is then expanded and placed within the damaged aortic valve.
The biggest advantage of TAVI is that, unlike surgery, it does not require the use of a heart-lung machine nor does it necessitate stopping the heart, thus reducing the patient's physical burden. However, TAVI also has its disadvantages, so it's crucial to carefully consider whether TAVI is appropriate for each individual patient.
I have performed and instructed in over 450 cases of all types of TAVI, including a transfemoral approach that is often done under local anesthesia, subclavian, transapical, and transaortic approaches. My experience of performing over 1,250 surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) procedures has also been invaluable in performing TAVI procedures.I am certified as an instructor/operator for the Sapien, Evolut, and Navitor series (certified by the Japanese Council for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies).
Number of Procedures Performed461
Duration:2004 to December 31, 2023
Number of Aortic Valve Surgeries Performed1316
Duration:2004 to December 31,2023
Transcatheter mitral valve repair: MitraClip
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- MitraClip device
- What Disease Can Be Treated With MitraClip?
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- Mitral regurgitation
MitraClip is a novel therapeutic device designed to reduce mitral valve regurgitation by clasping the malfunctioning valve. True to its name, it resembles a clip and is delivered to the heart via a catheter from a blood vessel in the groin. While this treatment is generally performed by cardiologists, I carry out the procedure as an operator, and my surgical experience of performing over 1,300 mitral valve surgeries has proven beneficial in executing MitraClip procedures.
Clipping the anterior and
posterior leaflets of the mitral valve
Number of Procedures Performed45
Duration: 2004 to December 31,2023
Number of Mitral Valve Surgeries Performed1429
Duration: 2004 to December 31,2023
Off-Pump Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair: Neochord
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- Neochord DS-1000 Device
- What Disease Can Be Treated With Neochord?
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- Mitral Regurgitation
NeoChord is a device designed to repair leaking mitral valves by implanting artificial chordae tendineae while the heart is beating. The procedure involves making an about 5cm incision in the left chest, inserting the device into the left ventricle, and using ultrasound imaging to implant the artificial chordae onto the flapping valve. The conditions suitable for this treatment include mitral valve prolapse, specifically posterior leaflet prolapse, and cases of recurrent regurgitation after mitral valve repair surgery.
The optimal length of the chordae is determined to eliminate regurgitation while the heart continues to beat. Compared to conventional heart surgery, the advantages of this method include the absence of a heart-lung machine, not having to stop the heart, and the ability to determine the appropriate length of the artificial chordae under transesophageal echocardiography guidance during heartbeats. Additionally, it offers the benefit of restoring the mitral valve to a more natural shape than TEER (e.g. MitraClip).
Dr. Tabata is certified as an independent surgeon for Neochord procedure.
of Cardiac and Aortic Procedures
- 4743cases
- From 2003 to 2023
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2020
381CASES
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2021
402CASES
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2022
442CASES
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2023
464CASES
What We Value in Treating Heart Disease
Delivering the Most Optimal
Treatment Option for Each Individual Patient Without Bias
Proper treatment selection is indispensable for excellent treatment outcomes. Choosing the wrong treatment method will not lead to favorable results.
The choice between surgical or catheter treatment, valve repair or valve replacement, and MICS approach or sternotomy can sometimes be influenced by a doctor's bias. By offering all of these options, I can make unbiased selections, providing the most appropriate treatment choice for each individual patient.
Teamwork, not just surgical skills,
for your heart
A "Heart Team" is not just a group; it's a harmonious assembly of diverse specialists united with a singular goal - your heart health. From the onset of diagnosis to the culmination of treatment, our team of dedicated experts diligently works to combat heart disease. We are comprised of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists, both equally devoted to your wellness. Alongside these core professionals, our Heart Team includes anesthesiologists, intensive care physicians, clinical nurse specialists, clinical engineers, physical therapists, echocardiographic technicians, radiology technicians, pharmacists, and medical administrative staff, all joining forces to rally around you, the patient, and your specific heart condition.
Performing heart surgery is an intricate ballet, requiring an orchestra of medical professionals preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. For each stage of your journey, we have a specialized team. We have a preoperative team dedicated to diagnosis and to enhancing your condition to the best possible state before surgery. During the surgery, you'll be in the skilled hands of a team who works together seamlessly to ensure the success of your operation. And the journey doesn't end in the operating room. Our post-operative management and rehabilitation teams step in to guide your recovery, working tirelessly to get you back to your life as smoothly and quickly as possible.
This incredible network of professionals exists in both Juntendo University Hospital and Toranomon Hospital, where I perform surgeries. We are all united in our commitment to your heart health.
Juntendo University School of Medicine
Toranomon Hospital
A robot is just a tool,
The crucial elements are a surgeon's skill and team strength.
You might come across promotional articles saying, "robotic surgery is the best." However, a robot is just one of the tools, and what's more important is the surgeon and the team who use these tools. The incision for our endoscopic MICS is equivalent or even smaller than that used in robotic heart surgery with the da Vinci system, and the cost is a fraction of that for robotic heart surgery. Essentially, both endoscopic MICS and robotic heart surgery are minimally invasive cardiac surgeries performed through small incisions without spreading the ribs. I consider the difference to be whether or not a robot is used as a tool.
Starting from December 2022, I have also been performing robotic heart surgery. At present, surgical robots do not make incisions smaller or improve surgical outcomes compared to endoscopic MICS in cardiac surgery. Robotic surgery does have the advantage of making intricate movements in tight spaces more manageable. I personally have no trouble operating in limited spaces without a robot, but for beginners in minimally invasive cardiac surgery or doctors who are about to learn, mastering the technique might be faster with a robot. On the other hand, in robotic surgery, the primary surgeon operates from a distance away from the patient, which requires a high level of skill from the patient-side surgeon who provides support at the patient's side.
In minimally invasive surgery, we use a variety of tools depending on the situation. I regard the robot as one of these tools and use it when beneficial, performing surgeries together with a skilled patient-side surgeon.
MICS
Robotic surgery
Professor and Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine
Executive Chair, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toranomon Hospital
Minoru Tabata
- ・Board Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon/Instructor(certified by the Japanese Board of Cardiovascular Surgery), Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Instructor (certified by the Japanese Society for Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy)
- ・Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Instrucor (certified by the Japanese Association for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery)
- ・Proctor (certified by Edwards Lifesciences, Inc. and Medtronic, Inc.)
- ・More than 200 English papers (including co-authored), more than 300 domestic and international lectures (as of August 2023)
- ・Member of European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Specialties
- ・Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), endoscopic cardiac surgery, robotic cardiac surgery
- ・Cardiac valve surgery (mitral valve repair, tricuspid valve repair, aortic valve repair, prosthetic valve replacement)
- ・Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI, TAVR)
- ・Transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip)
- ・Arrhythmia surgery (Maze procedure, thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation, thoracoscopic left atrial appendage closure)
- ・Coronary artery bypass surgery (off-pump surgery, MIDCAB)
- ・Thoracic aortic surgery
- ・Redo cardiac surgery, complex cardiac surgery
- ・General adult cardiovascular surgery
Our Hospital Highlights Juntendo University Hospital
and Toranomon Hospital
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1.Tokyo's Premier Cardiovascular Consortium: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Heart Valve Disease Treatment
Our esteemed general hospitals in Tokyo are home to a consortium of experts in cardiovascular medicine, offering top-tier care for patients from all walks of life. In the realm of valve disease treatments, success isn't simply hinged on the abilities of a cardiac surgeon. Indeed, it requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists – including cardiologists, anesthesiologists specializing in cardiac surgery, cardiovascular nurses, and technicians.
Our hospitals' teams encompass all cardiology subspecialties, including imaging diagnosis, heart failure treatment, cardiac rehabilitation, catheter interventions, and electrophysiology (arrhythmia treatment). Each member plays a crucial role in treating valve disease, offering a well-rounded approach to patient care that extends far beyond the operating theater. -
2.Tokyo’s Pinnacle of Heart Care: Comprehensive Treatment in Our State-of-the Art Central Hospitals
Located in the heart of Tokyo, our hospitals not only boast easy access but are also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. As general hospitals, we are fully prepared to manage patients with non-cardiac diseases and adept at handling any unforeseen surgical complications.
When it comes to heart care, we leave no stone unturned. Our dedicated teams at both hospitals ensure that patients receive the highest level of care, making us a premier destination for patients seeking expert cardiovascular treatments. -
3.Delicate Support and Superior Medical Services for International Patients
Japan's advanced healthcare system is attracting an increasing number of international patients. However, welcoming these patients comes with unique challenges such as language barriers, cultural and religious differences, varied lifestyle habits, and navigating disparate healthcare systems. At both of our hospitals, we are committed to accommodating international patients and making their healthcare journey as smooth as possible. We actively accept and provide consultation services for international patients and medical coordinators. Depending on the patient's condition and length of stay, we strive to provide the most appropriate care to ensure their health and comfort. Your well-being is our utmost priority, and we are equipped to offer top-tier medical care to patients from all walks of life, from anywhere in the world.
Appointment Guidance with Dr.Tabata
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1.Kindly book your appointment in advance through our website
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2.Once we receive your reservation, we will confirm the details and provide you with a consultation date.
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3.Please gather all necessary medical test results and image data. These can be sent to us via email or other specified means.
•Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
•Please note: Any documents provided will be stored in our medical records and will not be returned.
Toranomon Hospital’s Premier Private Rooms
Striving for Excellence
Where Quality Space Meets Comprehensive Medical Care
Located on the top floor, our 19th floor is dedicated to special private rooms. Our goal is to harmonize a high-quality space with a comprehensive medical system. Offering concierge life support and beyond, we provide a high-grade space distinctly different from standard private rooms.
