China's Top Departments: Cardiology at Xijing Hospital
National Key Discipline · Military Cardiovascular Disease Institute | Northwest China's Premier Cardiovascular Center
If you need interventional cardiology — whether it's a complex coronary intervention, structural heart disease treatment, or arrhythmia ablation — Xijing Hospital's Department of Cardiology is one of China's most experienced centers. As a National Key Discipline and the Military Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, this department treats over 13,000 interventional procedures annually — a volume that reflects both clinical excellence and patient trust.
Founded in 1957, the department has a history of pioneering achievements. In 1985, it performed China's first PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) — the procedure that launched modern interventional cardiology in China. Today, with >2,600 PCIs per year (Top 3 nationally), 1,500 radiofrequency ablations annually, and 6 laminar-flow catheterization labs, it remains at the cutting edge.
But what truly sets Xijing apart is its work in structural heart disease and heart failure innovation. The department performed Northwest China's first TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) in 2016 and has since developed world-first therapies: transcatheter endocardial alginate hydrogel injection for heart failure and iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte therapy. These aren't incremental improvements — they're entirely new treatment paradigms for conditions that once had limited options.
The department is ranked #10 nationally in cardiology (Fudan Ranking) and #1 in Northwest China, with 317 beds (including 35 ICU beds) and a team led by Changjiang Scholar Prof. TAO Ling.
At ChinaMed Select, we help international patients connect with Xijing's cardiology team for complex coronary and structural heart conditions. Here's what you need to know.
Signature Innovations
Coronary Intervention — Pioneering Legacy
Xijing performed China's first PTCA in 1985 — the procedure that opened the door to modern interventional cardiology in the country. Nearly 40 years later, the department remains a national leader:
- >20,000 cumulative PCIs performed
- >2,600 PCIs annually — Top 3 nationally
- Complex coronary intervention expertise: left main disease, bifurcation lesions, chronic total occlusions (CTO), heavily calcified lesions
What this means for you: If you've been told your coronary disease is "too complex" for standard treatment, Xijing's interventional cardiologists have likely seen — and successfully treated — cases like yours. The volume and complexity of cases they handle translates directly to better outcomes.
Structural Heart Disease — TAVR Pioneer
The department is a leader in minimally invasive structural heart interventions:
- 2016: First TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) in Northwest China
- Transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip)
- China's first transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty (Trialign)
- Routine transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventricular septal defects (VSD)
What this means for you: If you have aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, or other structural heart disease, you may be a candidate for transcatheter (minimally invasive) procedures instead of open-heart surgery. Xijing's experience with these newer techniques means you can access cutting-edge, less invasive options.
Heart Failure — World-First Therapies
The department has developed entirely new treatment approaches for heart failure:
- World's first transcatheter endocardial alginate hydrogel injection — a novel approach to improving cardiac function
- World's first iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte therapy for heart failure — regenerative medicine at its most advanced
- CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) for appropriate candidates
- Stem cell transplantation programs
What this means for you: If you have advanced heart failure that hasn't responded to standard treatments, Xijing's regenerative medicine programs offer options that simply don't exist elsewhere. These are experimental but world-leading approaches.
Congenital Heart Disease — #1 Nationally
The department is #1 in China for CHD intervention by case volume:
- First to propose echo-guided transcatheter closure internationally (eliminating the need for radiation during procedures)
- Developed domestic occluder devices — reducing costs while maintaining quality
- Highest case volume for CHD intervention in China
What this means for you: If you have an atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, or other congenital heart condition, Xijing's team has more experience with transcatheter closure than almost any other center in the world — and they've made the procedure more accessible through domestically-developed devices.
Arrhythmia Ablation — National Leader
- 1,500 radiofrequency ablations annually — nationally leading volume
- Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation
- Complex arrhythmia management
The high volume means the team has seen — and successfully treated — virtually every type of arrhythmia.
AI Innovation
The department developed a self-developed AI-powered ECG diagnosis system for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — demonstrating their commitment to leveraging technology for better diagnostics.
Meet the Experts
| Name | Role | What Matters for Your Care |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. TAO Ling 🏅 | Chair, Cardiology; Changjiang Scholar, National Outstanding Youth | Expert in structural heart disease (TAVR, MitraClip), coronary intervention, and heart failure. Leads the department's research and clinical innovation. If you have complex structural heart disease, this is the expert whose team will oversee your care. |
| Prof. LI Fei | Vice Chair, Cardiology | Expert in structural heart disease, complex coronary intervention, and valvular disease. |
Core Team (Selected)
- Prof. WANG Haichang: Coronary disease, arrhythmia, hypertension
- Prof. LI Yan: Complex coronary intervention, left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion
- Prof. LI Chengxiang: CTO PCI, complex PCI, peripheral vascular intervention
- Prof. FENG Xuyang: Comprehensive coronary care, pacemaker implantation
The faculty includes 58 senior titles, 3 doctoral supervisors, and 16 master's supervisors — a deep team of cardiovascular experts.
Research That Changes Guidelines
The department's research output is substantial and influential:
- National Science & Technology Progress Award (1st Prize) — 1 award
- Chinese Medical Science & Technology Award (2nd Prize) — 2 awards
- 154 SCI papers in the last 5 years, 13 with impact factor >10
- Global Cardiovascular Research Top 100 (2025)
The department's innovations aren't just published — they're adopted internationally, influencing how cardiology is practiced worldwide.
International Collaboration
Xijing has maintained a 24-year partnership with Mayo Clinic (USA) — one of the longest-running academic medical collaborations between China and the US. The department also:
- Was one of 4 major host centers for China Structural Heart Week (2021)
- Provides TAVR training for hospitals in Malaysia, Laos, and 50+ domestic centers
- Maintains academic exchange with National University of Singapore, Mayo Clinic, and others
This global network means your care benefits from international best practices and ongoing collaboration with world-leading institutions.
Procedure Volume at a Glance
| Procedure Type | Annual Volume |
|---|---|
| Total interventional procedures | >13,000/year |
| Coronary intervention (PCI) | >2,600/year |
| Radiofrequency ablation | ~1,500/year |
| Structural heart procedures | Rapidly growing |
This volume isn't just impressive — it means the team handles the full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, from routine to highly complex.
What International Patients Should Know
Language & Support
Xijing Hospital is a major academic medical center in Xi'an. English-language consultations can be arranged. For cardiology — where precise communication about your condition, procedure options, and post-procedure care is critical — we strongly recommend working with a bilingual medical coordinator who understands cardiovascular terminology.
Appointment Process
- Appointments can be made via Xijing's official channels or through a medical coordinator
- For new patients, the typical timeline from initial consultation to procedure is 1–2 weeks for most interventional procedures
- The department's 6 catheterization labs and high procedural volume mean efficient scheduling
- Complex cases (TAVR, MitraClip, CTO PCI) may require additional pre-procedure evaluation
Cost Estimates
Interventional cardiology costs vary based on procedure complexity and devices used. Here are general ranges:
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cardiology consultation | ¥300–800 | $42–110 |
| Coronary angiography | ¥5,000–10,000 | $700–1,400 |
| PCI with stent (domestic device) | ¥30,000–60,000 | $4,200–8,400 |
| PCI with stent (imported device) | ¥50,000–100,000 | $7,000–14,000 |
| TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve) | ¥200,000–350,000 | $28,000–49,000 |
| Radiofrequency ablation | ¥30,000–70,000 | $4,200–9,800 |
| Pacemaker implantation | ¥40,000–100,000 | $5,500–14,000 |
| CHD transcatheter closure | ¥30,000–60,000 | $4,200–8,400 |
These are estimates. Actual costs depend on your specific condition, procedure complexity, devices used, and length of stay. International patients should note that domestic Chinese devices are significantly less expensive than imported equivalents while maintaining high quality.
Getting There
- Address: 127 West Changle Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Hospital Switchboard: +86 29 8888 6666
- Appointment: +86 29 8477 5507
Xi'an is a major city in northwest China with international airport connections. Most international patients fly into Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Cardiovascular conditions require precise diagnosis and expert intervention. ChinaMed Select ensures you're connected with the right team:
- Expert Matching: Whether it's complex coronary disease, structural heart disease, arrhythmia, or congenital heart disease, we connect you with the subspecialist who handles your exact condition
- Medical Record Preparation: Cardiology consultations require detailed imaging (angiograms, echocardiograms, CT/MRI), ECGs, and prior treatment records. We help you organize and translate everything so the team can review your case efficiently
- Procedure Selection Guidance: If you're deciding between medical therapy, PCI, or surgical options, we can help you understand the trade-offs and connect you with the right expert for an informed decision
- Appointment Coordination: We handle scheduling directly with the department
- Certified Medical Translation: Cardiology involves complex discussions about anatomy, procedure options, risks, and long-term outcomes. Our translators ensure you understand every detail
- End-to-End Journey Support: From airport pickup in Xi'an to hotel arrangement near the hospital, interpreter presence during consultations, and post-procedure follow-up coordination, we handle logistics so you can focus on recovery
Plan Your Visit
- Appointments: Hospital official channels or through ChinaMed Select
- Address: 127 West Changle Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Hospital Switchboard: +86 29 8888 6666
- Appointment Line: +86 29 8477 5507
Need expert cardiology care? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free, personalized consultation. We'll review your cardiovascular condition and imaging, connect you with the right cardiology team at Xijing Hospital, and coordinate your entire journey — from medical record translation to post-procedure follow-up.