The Japanese Association for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (J-MICS) is an incorporated association founded in 2015 in Japan, and devoted to the development and promotion of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). The association aims to involve all types of medical professionals related to MICS, and encourages academic interaction and active education through meetings and lectures, in order to promote safety and progress in regard to related procedures. The overall mission of J-MICS is to advance science and contribute to medical welfare in society.

Recently, minimally invasive techniques have been accelerated by device improvements and introduction of new technologies. The need for MICS, including right mini-thoracotomy and robotic surgical procedures, is increasing throughout the world and significantly greater as compared to the time of its introduction in the 1990s.

Important advances in related techniques and methods led us to host the West Japan MICS Summit in 2012, which included the involvement of surgeons, cardiologists, and anesthetists, as well as equipment manufacturers. In 2013, the summit was further developed to cover all of Japan and the first Japan MICS Summit was held that year in Osaka. Since that time, the Japan MICS Summit has shown continued growth and expansion.

The Japan MICS Summit is focused not only on surgical techniques but also pitfalls to be aware of, which are shared among participants including mitral valve, aortic valve, and coronary surgery specialists. Improvements in quality cannot be obtained without proper systems for record keeping, training, quality evaluation, new device testing, and reviewing minimally invasive techniques. The J-MICS association was incorporated in August 2015 for the purpose of efficient promotion of enhancements and quality improvement of MICS in Japan, including organization of the annual Japan MICS Summit.

As the spotlight on MICS in Japan becomes brighter, J-MICS is committed to promote the advancement and increased generalization of minimally invasive techniques. We appreciate your support and participation.

November 2015

Yoshiki Sawa, MD
Representative of the director, Japanese Association for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (J-MICS)