I specialize in robotic cardiac surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. I treat such conditions as coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia and adult congenital cardiac disease. Prior to joining Florida International University and Baptist Health, I was director of the Minimum Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery Center, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, at the Sapporo Heart Center in Japan. I am also a proctor of robotic cardiac surgery in Japan and have not only treated patients but also proctored many hospitals, doctors in Japan to promote safe and efficient use of robotic cardiac surgery. I earned my medical degree at Shimane University School of Medicine in Shimane, Japan and a Ph.D. in Medical Science at Sapporo Medical University in Hokkaido, Japan. I completed two cardiac surgery residencies — one at Sapporo Medical University Hospital and the other at Hokkaido Prefectural Kitami Hospital in Hokkaido, Japan. I also completed two cardiovascular fellowships — one at Tomishiro Central Hospital in Okinawa, Japan and the other at Sakakibara Heart Institute in Tokyo, Japan. I am passionate about robotic cardiac surgery because, compared to open-heart surgery, it offers advanced, safe and precise treatment while also enabling patients to heal faster and return to their normal activities more quickly. I am also actively engaged in hybrid treatment, which reduces the invasiveness on patients through collaboration with cardiologists. Based on a relationship of trust and respect with cardiologists, we can provide the best customized treatment for our patients. As a surgeon I always pursue the meaning of this phrase by Leonardo da Vinci: ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’”. I always try ultimately sophisticate my strategy and procedure so that we can provide a simply great outcome for every patient. I have two backgrounds, Japan and Finland. I was born in Finland and raised in Japan. Thus, I really love the international atmosphere of Florida, and it is an honor to be able to contribute to patients here. When I’m not treating patients, I enjoy spending my time with wife and four kids, playing soccer, reading books, skiing/snowboarding and road cycling.
research interests
I focus on clinical research. As a cardiac surgery specialist, I conduct research into the safety and effectiveness of cardiovascular treatments, especially robotic cardiac surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
