Cardiovascular Intervention Expert on China's International Breakthroughs

Introduction: In recent years, China has made remarkable strides in cardiovascular interventional therapy — from independently developed domestic stents to the management of complex lesions — gradually earning recognition from international peers. In this issue, we interviewed a senior chief physician at one of China's top-tier tertiary hospitals to share insights on the innovation pathway and international collaboration in China's cardiovascular interventional field.

Q: Could you describe the most significant changes in China's cardiovascular interventional therapy over the past decade?

Expert: The most significant changes can be captured in two keywords: "independent innovation" and "international alignment." Ten years ago, we were heavily dependent on imported equipment and consumables, especially drug-eluting stents, which were dominated by foreign brands. Today, domestically produced drug-eluting stents have not only reached the performance level of international counterparts but have even surpassed them in certain aspects. More importantly, we have accumulated extensive experience in managing complex lesions — such as chronic total occlusions (CTO) and left main coronary artery disease. China's large patient population and diverse lesion types have, in a way, become a "training ground" for advancing our technical capabilities.

Q: You mentioned "international alignment." Could you elaborate on the specifics of international collaboration?

Expert: International collaboration is a two-way process. On one hand, our specialists are frequently invited to deliver live surgical demonstrations and keynote presentations at major international cardiovascular conferences such as TCT and PCR-EAPCI, sharing Chinese clinical experience. On the other hand, a growing number of overseas physicians are coming to China for training and exchange. I recall a colleague from Southeast Asia who, after observing a complex CTO intervention, remarked: "The approach and techniques you use for these lesions are entirely different from what our textbooks describe, yet the outcomes are superior." That moment made me deeply realize that clinical experience gained through practice cannot be replaced by any textbook.

Q: What advantages does China offer to overseas patients seeking cardiovascular interventional treatment?

Expert: First and foremost is the volume of procedures and technical expertise. Leading tertiary hospitals in China perform cardiovascular interventional procedures at volumes ranking among the highest globally, and this extensive experience translates into higher success rates and lower complication rates. Second, there is a significant cost advantage — comparable procedures in China typically cost one-third to one-half of what they would in the United States or Europe. Additionally, the application of domestically developed innovative devices is a notable highlight. Chinese-made bioresorbable stents and drug-coated balloons, for instance, are at the global forefront, with several products already approved for use overseas.

Q: In terms of technological innovation, which directions do you find most compelling at present?

Expert: I see three directions worth watching. The first is precision — leveraging intravascular imaging modalities such as IVUS and OCT, along with functional assessments like FFR, we can more accurately characterize lesions and develop individualized treatment plans. The second is minimally invasive approaches — transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been rapidly advancing in China, and interventional techniques will continue to expand into broader areas of structural heart disease. The third is intelligence — AI-assisted preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation systems are transitioning from the laboratory to clinical settings, which will further reduce procedural complexity and enhance safety.

Q: Finally, what is your outlook on the internationalization of China's cardiovascular interventional therapy?

Expert: I am very optimistic. China has already established itself in the first tier globally in terms of technical capabilities. The next step is to play a greater role in academic discourse and the development of international standards. At the same time, we should take on more responsibility in supporting developing countries through technical training and academic collaboration, so that patients in more nations can benefit from these advances. Medicine knows no borders — the ultimate purpose of technology is to serve the health of all humanity.

The views expressed in this article represent the expert's personal opinions and are provided for reference only.