Yanhu Wu

Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing Medical University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Yanhu Wu is a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon whose work has centered on advancing minimally invasive techniques for congenital heart defect repair, particularly atrial septal defects (ASDs). Dr. Wu’s major contributions lie in demonstrating that totally thoracoscopic ASD repair—performed through three small chest incisions without robotic assistance—can significantly reduce systemic inflammatory reactions and myocardial damage compared to conventional open-heart surgery. In a landmark 2014 study (15 citations), Dr. Wu showed that this endoscopic approach offers superior patient outcomes, including less trauma and faster recovery. Building on this success, Dr. Wu further refined the technique in a 2018 study (13 citations) by performing total endoscopic ASD repair on a beating heart, eliminating the need for cardioplegic arrest. This innovation represents a major leap forward, potentially reducing complications associated with heart-lung machine use. With cumulative citations exceeding 28, Dr. Wu’s work has influenced the global shift toward less invasive cardiac surgery. Their achievements are particularly notable for proving that complex intracardiac repairs can be performed safely and effectively through thoracoscopy alone, offering patients a compelling alternative to traditional sternotomy.