Groundbreaking Minimally Invasive Aortic Surgery Achieved at NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital

On April 24, 2026, a remarkable medical feat was achieved at NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital located in Suginami, Tokyo. Under the leadership of Dr. Toru Koizumi and his team, surgeons conducted a minimally invasive aortic replacement surgery on a female patient in her 70s who had been diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm. This procedure, known as the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS), was performed through a small 8cm incision on the right side of the chest, in stark contrast to the traditional 20cm sternotomy that typically requires an incision down the middle of the chest.

Understanding Aortic Aneurysms

An ascending aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition characterized by the expansion of the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart. When the aorta expands to over 4.5 to 5cm due to arteriosclerosis, the risk of rupture becomes critical, often leading to severe complications or even death. Aortic aneurysms often grow quietly and may be discovered accidentally during routine health screenings. If identified, surgical intervention is generally required as they do not shrink spontaneously.

Innovative Surgical Techniques

The typically invasive aortic replacement surgery involves replacing the enlarged portion of the aorta with a graft. Traditionally, this is performed via a full sternotomy, which can lead to significant postoperative pain, risks of infection, and restrictions on mobility during recovery, lasting around two to three months. However, the recent procedure at NewHeart aimed to minimize these complications and promote quicker recovery thanks to the small incision approach. The use of selective cerebral perfusion techniques during the surgery ensured adequate blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of complications associated with hypothermia as well.

Post-surgery, the patient's recovery has been notably successful, with walking exercises initiated the very next day and discharge occurring 13 days after the procedure. The artificial graft used was 28mm in size, a specially designed material known as Jgraft.

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About NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital

NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital is renowned for its extensive experience in robotic cardiac surgeries, actively providing minimally invasive treatment options for many patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. With a commitment to saving as many lives as possible, the hospital persistently pursues state-of-the-art technology with a focus on delivering “safe and low-impact” treatments.

Dr. Tsuyoshi Watanabe, the director of the hospital, emphasized, "Even for diseases that are not yet suitable for robotic surgery, we strive to provide safe treatments with minimal incisions that reduce the burden on the patient’s body.” Furthermore, Dr. Koizumi reiterated the hospital’s aim to utilize their advanced techniques to offer safe solutions to patients who have been told that minimally invasive approach was not an option for their aortic conditions.

Meet the Surgeons

Dr. Tsuyoshi Watanabe is the director of NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital. A graduate from Kanazawa Medical University, he pursued advanced studies at the Hannover Medical School in Germany. At just 32, he gained recognition as Japan’s youngest heart transplant surgeon. Notable achievements since his return include being the first in Japan to successfully perform beating-heart coronary artery bypass surgery and awake heart surgery. He also holds the record for performing the most robotic heart surgeries globally for six consecutive years starting in 2019.

Dr. Toru Koizumi, also part of the cardiac surgery team, graduated from Kanazawa Medical University in 2016 and is a certified expert in cardiac surgery. He is dedicated to mastering techniques that enhance patient outcomes through lower impact surgeries.

Hospital Information

Hospital Name: NewHeart Watanabe International Hospital
Operational Entity: Medical Corporation Tokyo Ishinkai
Location: 3-19-11 Hamadayama, Suginami, Tokyo 168-0065
Phone: 03-3311-1119 (Available Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM)
Website: NewHeart Watanabe
Contact for Inquiries: Free Email Consultation
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