New Heart Watanabe International Hospital Opens a Specialized Surgery Center for Adult Congenital Heart Disease
In a significant advancement for medical care, New Heart Watanabe International Hospital, headquartered in Suginami, Tokyo, has announced the establishment of the "Minimally Invasive Adult Congenital Heart Disease Surgery Center." This center will officially commence its operations on April 17, 2026, offering specialized treatment for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Renowned Professor Shingo Kasahara from Okayama University, a leading authority in this field, will serve as the supervisor of the center.
Background: Rising Number of Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease
Advancements in medical technology have enabled many individuals with congenital heart disease to reach adulthood. However, this progress has also revealed several challenges faced by these patients once they transition into adulthood. Some of these challenges include:
- - Post-operative sequelae requiring further surgeries in adulthood for those who underwent operations during childhood.
- - Late diagnosis of congenital heart disease in adulthood, where symptoms appear when the condition was previously undetected.
- - Limited access to specialized facilities capable of providing appropriate care for ACHD patients across the nation.
In response to these critical issues, New Heart Watanabe International Hospital aims to create an environment where patients can access specialized treatments, utilizing their expertise in robotic and endoscopic minimally invasive surgeries combined with Professor Kasahara's esteemed knowledge in congenital heart surgery.
Features of the Minimally Invasive Adult Congenital Heart Disease Surgery Center
Dual Expertise in Heart Surgery
Professor Kasahara's extensive experience in congenital heart surgeries at Okayama University combines with New Heart Watanabe's top-tier robotic (Da Vinci) and endoscopic surgical capabilities. This unique collaboration ensures that patients receive highly advanced surgical treatments with minimal incisions.
Comprehensive Support for Patients
The center will offer consultations not only for patients but also for referring physicians and healthcare institutions seeking second opinions. With online consultations and free email support (including LINE consultations), the facility is structured to ensure access to patients nationwide.
Applicable Conditions for Surgery
The center will provide treatment for the following congenital heart conditions and their sequelae (with plans to expand offerings in the future):
- - Atrial septal defects and related complications
- - Partial pulmonary venous return anomalies and their subsequent issues
- - Ventricular septal defects and related complications
- - Incomplete atrioventricular septal defects (endocardial cushion defects) and their sequelae
- - Tetralogy of Fallot and its various sequelae (including pulmonary valve regurgitation and right ventricular outflow obstruction)
- - Patent ductus arteriosus
- - Epstein anomaly and related conditions
Please note that surgical eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We encourage anyone interested to reach out for consultations.
Target Age Group for Treatment
The center focuses primarily on adult patients, starting from the age of 16 and older, depending on the individual’s size and health conditions.
Eligibility for treatment considers both age and comprehensive assessments of body condition and heart health.
Insights from Leadership
Shingo Kasahara, Professor
As the head professor of cardiovascular surgery at Okayama University, Professor Kasahara emphasizes the growing challenges adult patients with congenital heart disease face, including the need for advanced surgical care. He notes that despite technological advancements allowing many to reach adulthood, there is still a significant gap in surgical resources available for ACHD. His collaboration with New Heart Watanabe, recognized for its superior minimally invasive surgical techniques, aims to provide patients with both safety and reduced physical burdens during their treatments.
Tsuyoshi Watanabe, President
President Watanabe expressed his enthusiasm about opening the center in collaboration with Professor Kasahara. Given his extensive experience with complex congenital cases, Professor Kasahara will spearhead outpatient services and surgeries, marking a crucial development in the treatment of adult congenital heart disease. Together, they aim to pave the way for innovative therapies in this domain.
About New Heart Watanabe International Hospital
- - Name: New Heart Watanabe International Hospital
- - Affiliated Organization: Tokyo Medical Association
- - Location: 3-19-11 Hamadayama, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0065
- - Contact: +81-3-3311-1119 (Available weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM)
- - Website: New Heart Japan
- - Center Information: Adult Congenital Center Details
- - Contact for Inquiries: Online consultations available here
Social Media Links
This new initiative is a testament to the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare for individuals with congenital heart conditions, reinforcing New Heart Watanabe International Hospital's position as a leader in this critical field.