Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats
07:31

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats

Published on: December 2, 2016

[The number of cardiovascular surgeons is decreasing in Nagano]

Tamaki Takano1, Megumi Fuke, Kouhei Takahashi

  • 1Department of Surgery (II), Shinshu University School of Medicine.

Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi
|June 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The number of cardiovascular surgeons in Nagano has declined significantly since 2004, with increased retirements and fewer new surgeons. This trend impacts surgical case volume and institute consolidation efforts.

Area of Science:

  • Medical research
  • Surgical workforce analysis
  • Public health policy

Background:

  • A notable shortage of medical doctors has been observed since the 2004 residency program changes.
  • This study focuses on the cardiovascular surgery workforce in Nagano prefecture.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate trends in the number of cardiovascular surgeons, surgical cases, and institutes in Nagano from 1996 to 2008.
  • To analyze the factors contributing to the decline in cardiovascular surgeons.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of cardiovascular surgeon numbers, new joiners, and retirements from 1996 to 2008.
  • Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess surgeon career longevity.
  • Examination of surgical case volume and institute consolidation.

Main Results:

  • Cardiovascular surgeon numbers decreased from 28 to 19 between 1996 and 2008.
  • New surgeon recruitment slowed significantly after 2001, while retirement rates increased.
  • Surgical case volume nearly doubled from 340 in 1996 to 771 in 2008.
  • Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated high early retirement rates, with 50% retiring within 19 years.

Conclusions:

  • The decline in cardiovascular surgeons poses challenges for surgical capacity.
  • Consolidation of surgical institutes is underway to manage the reduced workforce.
  • Improving working conditions and creating new roles for senior surgeons are crucial to retain talent and prevent early departures.

More Related Videos

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Regulation of the Cardiovascular System01:27

Regulation of the Cardiovascular System

The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...