Surgical Statistics of Cardiovascular Surgery  

As a comprehensive hospital specializing in cardiovascular care, we provide a wide range of treatments for the heart, thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, and peripheral blood vessels. Historically, we have produced specialists in arrhythmia, and we continue to provide treatment for pacemakers, including the removal of infected pacemakers, which are referred to our hospital. We also perform the creation of arteriovenous fistulas for dialysis and laser treatments for lower extremity varicose veins.

At Hiroshima University Hospital, we introduced transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in 2015 and percutaneous mitral valve repair in 2021, actively providing treatment, primarily to elderly patients. Whether catheter-based treatment or open-heart surgery is the best option is determined by evaluating the condition of each patient, with the most suitable method being selected. However, in practice, age and decreased heart function are the primary factors determining the boundaries for treatment eligibility. With the emergence of new treatments, it can be said that the number of open-heart surgeries has somewhat decreased.

Following the insurance coverage in 2018, Hiroshima University Hospital began performing minimally invasive surgery in earnest starting in 2019. Initially, we received guidance on surgical preparation, techniques, and perioperative management from Professor Kazuma Okamoto, currently the Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. Today, this approach is carried out as the standard surgical procedure at Hiroshima University Hospital.

However, this approach is not suitable for all patients. For those with severe arteriosclerosis, significant heart dysfunction, impaired lung function, severe aortic regurgitation despite preserved heart function, or a flattened chest structure, open-heart surgery via a median sternotomy may be more appropriate. We carefully compare the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches and determine the most suitable surgical procedure for each patient.