Professor Wu Qingyu has been selected for the Elsevier China Highly Cited Scholars list for eight consecutive years - Tsinghua University School of Clinical Medicine
**Abstract: Wu Qingyu, a Renowned Cardiovascular Surgeon, Continues to Lead in China's Academic Community** On April 14, 2022, Elsevier, a leading global information analytics business, released the 2021 "Highly Cited Chinese Researchers" list, which featured 4701 scholars from 523 universities, enterprises, and research institutions, spanning 84 primary disciplines across 10 major fields of education. Among the distinguished scholars recognized is Professor Wu Qingyu, a prominent figure in cardiovascular surgery, who has been listed for the eighth consecutive year. Wu, a professor at Tsinghua University and chief consultant expert at the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University, is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the field of heart surgery in China and internationally. **Key Achievements and Contributions** Wu Qingyu has dedicated over four decades to cardiovascular surgery, both clinically and in research. His accomplishments have earned him significant international recognition, including memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), and the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS). He is also a standing member of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery (WSPCHS) and a board member of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery for mainland China. Additionally, Wu serves as a member of the Academic Committee of Tsinghua University and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In 2021, Wu Qingyu was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in congenital heart disease surgery by the Chinese Medical Association and the Chinese Association of Pediatric Surgeons, further cementing his status as a leading expert in the field. His groundbreaking work includes: 1. **Innovative Surgical Techniques for Ebstein's Anomaly**: Wu developed a novel anatomical correction technique for Ebstein's anomaly, a complex congenital heart defect, which has enabled over 98% of patients to avoid artificial valve replacement. This technique, detailed in a paper published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, was hailed as a significant advancement by Roger B. B. Mee, a renowned pediatric heart surgeon from the Cleveland Clinic. Joseph A. Dearani, a leading cardiac surgeon from the Mayo Clinic, visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University to study this technique. Wu was the first Chinese scholar to present on congenital heart disease at the 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, where his work received international acclaim. 2. **Technical Standards for Tetralogy of Fallot**: Wu established surgical standards for the correction of Tetralogy of Fallot, a common and severe congenital heart defect. These standards have been incorporated into cardiovascular surgery textbooks and have significantly reduced the mortality rate of such surgeries from around 10% to below 0.8%, achieving international leading standards. His research on this topic, also published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, was praised by C. W. Lillehei, one of the founders of modern cardiac surgery, for producing the best outcomes documented in English literature. 3. **Pioneering Neonatal Complex Heart Surgeries**: Wu was the first in China to perform complex heart surgeries on newborns, including a successful arterial switch operation on infants as young as 2, 5, 11, and 26 hours old. These surgeries marked a significant milestone in the treatment of transposition of the great arteries, transforming what was once an untreatable condition into a routine procedure. 4. **Advancements in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)**: Wu introduced and mastered key techniques in coronary artery bypass grafting, significantly improving outcomes for patients with severe coronary heart disease. He has personally performed over 3,500 CABG surgeries with a success rate exceeding 99.5%. In 2000, he conducted the first live-streamed CABG surgery, broadcast globally over the internet, which was a pioneering effort in telemedicine and surgical education. His work on enhancing the effectiveness of CABG has been recognized with a National Science and Technology Progress Second Prize. **Educational and Mentorship Impact** Wu Qingyu has not only made significant contributions to surgical techniques but has also played a crucial role in training the next generation of cardiovascular surgeons. He has mentored numerous technical leaders, enabling over a hundred hospitals across China to perform complex cardiac surgeries. His efforts have significantly improved the quality and accessibility of heart surgery in the country. **Continued Dedication to Patient Care** Despite his extensive achievements, Wu Qingyu remains actively involved in clinical practice. He continues to treat patients with complex and often untreatable heart conditions, offering hope to those who have been turned away by other medical institutions. **Highly Cited Chinese Researchers List** The "Highly Cited Chinese Researchers" list, compiled by Elsevier, is based on the Scopus database, a global authority for citation and indexing. The list aims to highlight the most influential Chinese scholars in various academic disciplines. Since its inception in 2015, the list has been published annually, with the 2021 edition marking the eighth release. The list's methodology has been refined to better align with China's educational and research structure, providing a more accurate and comprehensive overview of the country's academic landscape. This updated approach has brought to light many scholars who have excelled in specific subfields, contributing to a richer understanding of China's research community. **Conclusion** Professor Wu Qingyu's consistent inclusion in the "Highly Cited Chinese Researchers" list reflects his profound impact on the field of cardiovascular surgery. His innovative techniques, rigorous research, and dedication to patient care have set new standards in the treatment of complex heart conditions, both in China and globally. His recognition and awards underscore his leadership and contributions to the advancement of medical science, making him a cornerstone of China's healthcare and academic community.
