Biography

Akiko Tanaka, MD, is a cardiovascular surgeon with expertise in aortic disease, coronary artery disease, valve disease, peripheral vascular disease, carotid disease, dialysis access, and venous disease. She treats the most complex cases of aortic aneurysms and sees a wide age range of patients, from teens to seniors.

Dr. Tanaka is a firm believer in having transparent dialogue with her patients and explaining complex medical procedures in a simplified way. Her friendly approach combined with her knowledge is what sets her practice apart.

Dr. Tanaka is an assistant professor with the Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery. She graduated from medical school in 2002 at Kobe University in Japan and finished the aortic and valve surgery fellowship program in 2017 at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Most recently in 2022, Dr. Tanaka completed a vascular surgery residency.

Dr. Tanaka speaks English and Japanese fluently. In her spare time, she likes indoor climbing and discovering delicious cuisines.

Education

Medical School
Kobe University School of Medicine
Doctor of Philosophy
Kobe University School of Medicine
Cardiovascular Surgery Residency
Kobe University School of Medicine
Cardiovascular Surgery Fellowship
Kobe University School of Medicine
Cardiovascular and Valve Surgery Fellowship
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Areas of Interest

Clinical Interests

  • Carotid Endarterectomy
  • Carotid angioplasty and stenting
  • Open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair
    • Thoracic
    • Abdominal
    • Thoracoabdominal
  • Repair of all peripheral and visceral arterial aneurysms
  • Hemodialysis access
  • Treatment of peripheral arterial disease
  • Endovascular
  • Open surgical revascularization
  • Limb salvage (Upper and lower extremity revascularization)