Shinya Unai, MD

Shinya Unai, MD, is a surgeon in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. He sees patients at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus.

Specialty Interests: Adult cardiac surgery, complex re-operative heart surgery, surgery of the aorta/root, Ozaki procedure, Ross procedure, endocarditis, heart/lung transplantation, ventricular assist device, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Number of Patients Treated:  Cleveland Clinic performs more than 4,000 heart surgeries each year. All Cleveland Clinic cardiac surgeons complete between 300-400 cardiac cases per year.  Dr. Unai's procedures include lung transplants, LVAD implants and heart transplants.

Success Rates: Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute surgeons consistently achieve lower-than-expected in-hospital mortality based on the age of our patients, the severity of their illness and their general health condition. Cleveland Clinic ranks among the 1% of US hospitals that earned a 3-star (highest) score in all 3 categories of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ risk-adjusted quality ratings for adult cardiac surgery and in lobectomy for lung cancer.

Education and Training:  Dr. Unai earned his medical degree from the University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Toyko, Japan. He served a general surgery residency followed by a cardiovascular surgery residency at Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo, serving as Chief Resident during his final year of training. Dr. Unai continued his specialty training as a cardiovascular surgery fellow at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia Pa. He completed his training as a clinical associate in minimally invasive, complex adult cardiac surgery, heart/lung transplantation and aortic surgery at Cleveland Clinic. He joined the Cleveland Clinic staff in 2017.

Research and Publications: Dr. Unai has participated in multiple studies related to outcomes for
endocarditis and aortic valve disease. Dr. Unai has authored or co-authored nearly 100 papers published in leading medical journals, primarily focused on his surgical specialties such as endocarditis, Ozaki and Ross procedure, heart / lung transplant, and complex heart valve/root surgery. He also has made numerous presentations at major medical meetings in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Consult QD articles:

Team-Based Management of Aortic Stenosis Across the Lifespan: It’s All About Options
The Ross Procedure in a Reoperative Setting: A Case Study
When the Ross Procedure Fails: Fifth Operation Offers Young Man a New Start
Transient Neurological Symptoms in the Lead-Up to Redo Aortic Valve Replacement: A Case Study
Surgical Solutions to Anomalous Coronary Arteries and Myocardial Bridges in Adults

About Dr. Unai: “I became a heart surgeon because I wanted to help people. Many of our patients are incredibly sick, but it is a true privilege to be able to make a positive impact on their lives using the skills that I learned from long years of training. I believe good communication and working as a team with the patient in the center is the key to good outcomes.”

Leisure Activities: In his leisure time, Dr. Unai enjoys spending time with his family, playing the piano and skiing.