Cheng-Ya Lee

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About

Cheng-Ya Lee is a pioneering cardiac surgeon whose work bridges the frontiers of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted cardiovascular surgery. Her primary research focuses on innovative surgical techniques for complex cardiac tumors and valvular pathologies, with a particular emphasis on reducing procedural invasiveness while maintaining radical oncologic outcomes. In her landmark 2022 case report, Lee demonstrated the first robot-assisted endoscopic removal of a massive tricuspid valve myxoma—a procedure that challenged conventional wisdom by achieving complete tumor excision through minimal access, avoiding the large thoracotomy typically required for such fragile, oversized masses. This work, cited 5 times in the surgical literature, has influenced approaches to cardiac tumor management by proving that even the most technically demanding cases can benefit from robotic precision. Lee’s contributions extend beyond individual case reports; she is recognized for systematically developing protocols that minimize wound size without compromising en-bloc specimen removal, a critical balance in preventing tumor fragmentation and recurrence. Her research continues to shape the next generation of cardiac surgeons, offering a compelling vision of how technology can transform traditionally open-heart procedures into safer, less traumatic interventions.