The report for 3-month visiting in Tsukuba University Hospital
During 2017.06.20 to 09.16, I visited the division of cardiology of Tsukuba University Hospital. The aim of my visit is to learn the operation of 3D-mapping system (eg. CARTO, Ensite and Rhythmia) and the ablation of ventricular and atrial arrhythmia. Overall, the experience is very fabulous and wonderful. I have to express my appreciation to Professor Nogami. He gave me the privilege of the 3-month stay in cath lab. He also introduced me to his colleagues and encouraged to learn from them. I also thank Professor Aonuma, who is the director of division of cardiology, to give me a warming welcome to Tsukuba University Hospital. During stay in Tsukuba, Dr. Sekiguchi taught me many tips of ablation and we had so many wonderful and excellent discussions. I am also grateful about the hospitality of the colleagues in cath lab. Dr. Talib, Komatsu, Hanaki, Watanabe and Tsumagari were very kindly and gave me many advices. I do value the friendship between us. Especially Dr. Talib, he gave me many good comments and helped me a lot. I enjoyed all the time with him.
My daily schedule went with cath lab. Every Monday and Tuesday, I inspected and learned from Professor Nogami. Most of cases were atrial fibrillation, ventricular premature contraction and ventricular tachycardia. Professor Nogami was my role model and he taught me many pitfalls, which should be avoided and skills which could enhance the quality of ablation treatment. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, I observed Dr. Sekiguchi’s cases. There was a case for pacemaker lead extraction every week. I had learned so much from his teaching. During the operation, I enjoyed the discussion with Dr. Watanabe.
In the respect of atrial fibrillation ablation, Dr. Komatsu and Hanaki gave me many excellent advices. Many cases of cryoablation in Tsukuba University Hospital enhanced my knowledge and clinical experience. The “Hot balloon” ablation, which is the unique and emerging technique in Japan, inspired me because I have no experience previously. A number of VPCs cases I had attended during these three months. The most interesting cases were VPCs from LV summit and posterior papillary muscle. Regarding ventricular tachycardia, I observed many cases of Professor Nogami and Dr. Sekiguchi. I had learned many ablation strategies about ventricular tachycardia.
During three month stay in Tsukuba, I deeply loved the environment of Tsukuba city and experienced a fabulous family time with my wife and daughter. I also visited many places, such as Nikko, Mito, Karuizawa, Kusatsu and Shima spring and Tokyo. The journey nourished my life and inspired me to keep my way. In addition, although I cannot speak Japanese, professor Nogami, Aonuma and other doctors still welcomed and cared me. We have very happy and funny talk, which relieved my pressure and anxiety as being a foreigner. I would like to express my appreciation to all staffs in the cath lab. They also gave me warming welcome and good suggestions. I am thankful to Miss Fukaya, who helped me the document work and accommodation application.
At last, I would like to say “Thank you” to all of you. 本当にありがとうございました.
Ting-Tse Lin2017.10.04