Yasuhide Okawa

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Dr. Yasuhide Okawa is a leading innovator in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, with a focused expertise in endoscopic techniques for coronary revascularization. His primary research centers on advancing the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), particularly through the refinement of internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting. Dr. Okawa’s major contribution is the development of a novel three-dimensional endoscopic approach that allows surgeons to harvest the ITA by dynamically changing the scope’s position, significantly improving visualization and maneuverability in the confined thoracic cavity. This work, detailed in his 2021 paper (cited 5 times), directly addresses a critical technical hurdle in MIDCAB, making the procedure more accessible and less invasive for patients. His research is particularly impactful for complex cases, such as the 65-year-old woman with recurrent in-stent restenosis described in his study, where traditional redo surgery carries high risk. By demonstrating that a challenging ITA harvest can be performed endoscopically, Dr. Okawa is helping to expand the indications for MIDCAB, reducing patient trauma and recovery time. His work represents a meaningful step toward safer, less invasive cardiac surgical options.