Yuji Kawano, MD

Yuji Kawano, MD, is a cardiac surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center with a unique specialization in minimally invasive and robotic heart surgery.

Dr. Kawano comes to MedStar Health from his advanced fellowship program at Emory University, where he received the full spectrum of training in robotic cardiac surgery under some of the first, and most experienced, robotic cardiac surgeons, worldwide.

A highly specialized approach, robotic heart surgery can provide patients with enhanced recovery, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications compared to conventional methods. Robotics may be applied to treat mitral and tricuspid valve conditions, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac tumors, for low-risk surgical patients as well as high-risk patients with complex comorbidities.

Philosophy of Care

"Robotic surgery is an excellent option for a patient seeking better cosmesis, quicker recovery, and less post-surgical pain, without compromising the clinical result of surgery itself. I work …closely with my colleagues to fully evaluate the benefits and potential risks for each case. My patients can always count on me to be honest with them –– to explain their situation and to help them understand their treatment options. My first priority is always the patient's safety."

Fellowships

• Advanced Robotic Cardiac Surgery, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia
• Advanced Adult Cardiac Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Tokyo Bay Urayasu Ichikawa Medical Center, Chiba, Japan

Residencies

• Cardiovascular Surgery, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital, Aichi, Japan
• General Surgery, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Medical school:

• Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan