China's Top Departments: Cardiology at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
Founded in 1948 and ranked #2 nationally, Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Cardiology is a pioneer in coronary intervention, structural heart disease, and electrophysiology. Here's what international patients should know.
If you're seeking world-class cardiac care in China, Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Cardiology should be at the top of your list. Founded in 1948, it is one of the earliest and most prestigious cardiology centers in the country — a National Key Discipline and the core pillar of China's only National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine.
With over 800,000 outpatient visits annually, 2 academicians, 51 professors, and 129 registered physicians, the department ranks #2 nationally and #1 in East China (Fudan University Hospital Ranking, 2023). At ChinaMed Select, we regularly help international patients connect with Zhongshan's cardiology team for complex cardiac procedures.
Here's what makes this department stand out and what you should know as an international patient.
Signature Procedures & Core Strengths
Coronary Intervention — Nationally Leading
Zhongshan's interventional cardiology program is among the best in Asia. If you have coronary artery disease, this is where you'll find some of the world's most experienced operators.
- Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO): The department pioneered the retrograde wire technique for CTO — now a standard procedure taught worldwide. If you've been told your blockage is "untreatable," this team specializes in exactly these cases.
- Complex PCI: Severe calcified lesions, left main disease, bifurcation lesions, triple vessel disease — the department handles the cases that other centers refer.
- Intravascular Imaging: Routine use of IVUS (intravascular ultrasound) and OCT (optical coherence tomography) to guide stent placement with precision.
- 24/7 Emergency "Green Channel": Acute myocardial infarction patients are treated around the clock.
Biodegradable Stent Technology — China's First
This department developed China's first biodegradable coating stent, which reduced fatal stent thrombosis from 1.2–1.9% to 0.34%. Over 80,000 coronary artery disease patients benefit from their stent innovations annually. They also developed fully bioresorbable scaffolds and internationally original As₂O₃ drug-eluting stents, recognized by TCT 2003 as a top 10 "late-breaking clinical trial."
What this means for you: If you're concerned about long-term stent complications, the team's expertise in next-generation stent technology offers an additional layer of reassurance.
Structural Heart Disease — Multiple World & Asia Firsts
The department has achieved several breakthroughs in minimally invasive valve procedures:
- China's first transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI, 2010)
- Asia's first transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip)
- World's first interventional self-expanding pulmonary valve implantation
- World's first polymer-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (R-TAVR)
Annual structural heart interventions exceed 700 cases. If you need a valve procedure and want to avoid open-heart surgery, this is one of the few centers globally with this depth of experience.
Electrophysiology & Pacing
- Annual radiofrequency ablation: > 1,500 cases
- Annual permanent pacemaker implantation: > 800 cases
- Annual ICD/CRT implantation: > 100 cases
- World's first deep hypothermic cryoablation renal denervation
Meet the Experts
| Name | Title | What Matters for Your Care |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. GE Junbo 🏅 | Academician, Chinese Academy of Sciences | Chair of Cardiology. Discovered the "half-moon sign" of myocardial bridging. Pioneered the retrograde wire technique for CTO. Led development of China's first biodegradable coating stent. If you have a complex coronary case, this is the leader you want. |
| Prof. CHEN Haozhu 🏅 | Academician, CAE (deceased) | Founding figure of modern Chinese cardiology. His legacy shaped the department's culture of innovation. |
The department has produced generations of nationally renowned cardiologists, and today's team continues that tradition with both clinical excellence and research leadership.
What International Patients Should Know
Language & Support
Zhongshan Hospital has an international patient services department that can arrange English-language consultations. However, for in-depth discussions about complex cardiac procedures, we strongly recommend working with a bilingual medical coordinator who can ensure nothing is lost in translation — especially when discussing surgical options, risks, and post-procedure care.
Appointment Process
- Appointments can be made via the Zhongshan Hospital App, WeChat mini-program, or through a medical coordinator
- Specialty Clinics are available for: coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, structural heart disease, and cardiac rehabilitation
- For complex cases (CTO, TAVI, MitraClip), the typical timeline from initial consultation to procedure is 1–3 weeks, significantly faster than in most Western countries
Cost Estimates
While exact costs depend on your specific condition and procedure, here are general ranges for international patients:
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Coronary angiography | ¥8,000–15,000 | $1,100–2,100 |
| PCI with stent | ¥40,000–80,000 | $5,500–11,000 |
| TAVI | ¥200,000–350,000 | $28,000–49,000 |
| Pacemaker implantation | ¥50,000–120,000 | $7,000–17,000 |
| Radiofrequency ablation | ¥30,000–60,000 | $4,200–8,400 |
These are estimates. Actual costs vary based on your condition, the specific devices used, and length of stay.
Getting There
- Address: 111 Yixueyuan Road (West Campus) / 1609 Xietu Road (East Campus), Xuhui District, Shanghai
- Metro: Lines 7, 9, and 4
- Tel: 021-64041990
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Navigating a world-class cardiology department in a foreign healthcare system doesn't have to be overwhelming. ChinaMed Select acts as your on-the-ground medical advocate:
- Expert Department Matching: We confirm that Zhongshan's Cardiology is the right fit for your specific condition — and connect you with the appropriate subspecialty team (e.g., interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural heart)
- Appointment Coordination: We handle scheduling directly with the department, reducing wait times and ensuring your consultation is with the right specialist
- Certified Medical Translation: Your medical records, imaging reports, and consultation notes are professionally translated — so you and your doctor are fully aligned
- Bilingual Consultation Support: We arrange for a medical interpreter to be present during your consultation, ensuring nothing is lost in translation
- End-to-End Journey Support: From airport pickup in Shanghai to hospital navigation and post-procedure follow-up, we handle logistics so you can focus on recovery
Plan Your Visit
- Appointments: Zhongshan Hospital App, WeChat mini-program, 114 Medical Navigation, or through ChinaMed Select
- Specialty Clinics: CAD clinic, arrhythmia clinic, heart failure clinic, hypertension clinic, structural heart disease clinic, cardiac rehabilitation clinic
- Emergency: 24/7 acute MI green channel
- Transport: Metro lines 7/9/4; buses 43/49/89/104/128/205/218/572/733/932
- Tel: 021-64041990
Ready to explore treatment options at Zhongshan's Department of Cardiology? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free, personalized consultation. We'll review your cardiac condition, connect you with the right specialist, and coordinate your entire journey — from medical records translation to post-procedure follow-up.