Sayaka Shigematsu
Papers
4
Total Citations
36
H-Index
3
About
Dr. Sayaka Shigematsu is a pioneering cardiac surgeon at the forefront of minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair in Japan. Her research centers on advancing totally endoscopic robotic-assisted mitral valve repair (TERMVR), with a specific focus on complex pathologies like Barlow mitral valve disease. Dr. Shigematsu’s major contribution is demonstrating the safety and efficacy of these advanced techniques in a Japanese clinical setting, particularly after Japan’s 2018 national health insurance coverage for robotic cardiac surgery. Her landmark 2019 study, cited 26 times, reported the first major clinical outcomes of robotic mitral valve repair in Japan, establishing a critical benchmark for the nation’s growing robotic cardiac program. She has further refined surgical protocols, including a routine de-airing method to prevent air embolism, and has published on managing rare intraoperative complications like cardiac herniation. With over 760 robotic mitral valve repairs performed at her institution, Dr. Shigematsu’s work is instrumental in expanding access to less invasive cardiac surgery, improving patient recovery, and shaping the future of robotic heart surgery in Japan and beyond.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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