Gengo Sunagawa, MD Surgical Director, ECMO Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Assistant Professor of Surgery Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Bio:
Dr. Sunagawa received his medical degree from Kobe University in Japan. Following the completion of his residency and fellowship training in Japan, Dr. Sunagawa moved to United states in 2013 and joined Cleveland Clinic as a research fellow. He was involved many projects related to total artificial heart and mechanical circulatory support devices. In addition, Dr. Sunagawa completed an advanced clinical fellowship at Temple University Hospital in 2017, where he underwent special training in heart and lung transplantation and mechanical circulatory support device (left ventricular assist device: LVAD) implantation. Dr. Sunagawa worked as the Surgical Director for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program at Temple University Hospital and he joined in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2022. Dr. Sunagawa serves as the Surgical Director of ECMO program. Dr. Sunagawa has clinical interest in coronary artery bypass graft, aortic aneurysm repair, MAZE procedure, heart valve repair and replacement surgeries, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, LVAD, and minimally invasive heart surgery.
Philosophy of Care: As a cardiac surgeon, my philosophy of care is rooted in a commitment to precision, compassion, and innovation. I believe in treating each patient as an individual, understanding their unique medical needs, personal concerns, and goals for recovery. My approach integrates the latest advancements in cardiac surgery with evidence-based practices to achieve the best possible outcomes. I prioritize clear communication, ensuring that patients and their families are fully informed and involved in decision-making throughout their treatment journey. Surgery is not just about technical excellence—it is about restoring quality of life, providing hope, and supporting patients every step of the way. Whether performing complex heart transplants, LVAD implantations, or coronary bypass procedures, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional care wit
My clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of cardiac surgery, with a particular focus oncomplex and advanced procedures to restore heart function and improve patient outcomes. My areas of interest include:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Utilizing both on-pump and off-pump techniques to optimize revascularization for patients with coronary artery disease.
Valve Surgery: Specializing in both repair and replacement of aortic,mitral and tricuspid valves, using minimally invasive and open surgical approaches.
Aortic Surgery: Treating aortic aneurysms and dissections with open techniques to enhance durability and safety.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Offering a minimally invasive alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are high-risk surgical candidates.
Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation and Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Offering minimally invasive approach including robotic procedure to maintain normal heart rhythm and prevent stroke.
Advanced Heart Failure Therapies: Providing comprehensive care for end-stage heart failure patients, including heart transplantation and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) to improve survival and quality of life.
With a patient-centered approach, I am committed to integrating cutting-edge surgical techniques with compassionate care to achieve the best possible outcomes for my patients.
Medical School
Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Residency
Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital, Osaka, Japan
Residency
Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Fellowship
Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital, Osaka, Japan
Fellowship
Temple University Hospital, PA, USA
Fellowship
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, OH, USA
Board Certification
Cardiovascular Surgery
Insurance
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