China's Top Departments: Cardiology at Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University

If you need interventional cardiology — whether it's a complex coronary intervention, arrhythmia ablation, or congenital heart disease treatment — Xijing Hospital's Department of Cardiology is one of China's most experienced and pioneering centers. As a National Key Discipline and the PLA Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, the department performs 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 groundbreaking achievements. In 1985, it performed China's first coronary intervention (PTCA) — the procedure that launched modern interventional cardiology in the country. Today, with over 300 beds, 6 laminar-flow catheterization labs, and a 900 m² specialized laboratory, the department integrates imaging diagnostics, pharmacotherapy, and interventional treatment across a 13,000 m² facility.

In the Fudan Ranking (China's top hospital ranking), the department is ranked #10 nationally in cardiovascular disease and #1 in Northwest China.

At Medora, we help international patients connect with Xijing's cardiology team. Here's what you need to know.

Accreditations & Academic Standing

Historical Milestones

Three Core Specialty Areas

1. Coronary Intervention

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:

• Over 20,000 cumulative coronary interventions completed
• Annual PTCA volume: 2,600+ cases, ranking Top 3 nationally
• Expertise in complex coronary lesions: left main bifurcation, severe calcification, chronic total occlusion (CTO)
• Advanced use of OCT, IVUS, and other intracoronary imaging for optimized stent placement

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.

2. Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmias

One of the earliest centers in China to perform catheter ablation:

• Annual ablation volume: 1,500 cases, leading nationally
• Atrial fibrillation ablation success rate consistently above 90%
• Cutting-edge techniques: cryoballoon ablation, left atrial appendage occlusion
• Complex arrhythmia management

The high volume means the team has seen — and successfully treated — virtually every type of arrhythmia.

3. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Intervention

The department is #1 in China for CHD intervention by case volume:

• First in the world to propose transthoracic echocardiography-guided intervention for atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD)
• Developed domestically-manufactured occluder devices, reducing treatment costs while maintaining quality
• Highest case volume for CHD intervention in China

What this means for you: If you have an ASD, VSD, 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.

Key Specialists

The department has 58 senior-title physicians, 3 doctoral supervisors, and 16 master's supervisors. It has produced 1 Changjiang Scholar and 2 National Outstanding Youth Science Fund recipients.

Clinical Volume

This volume isn't just impressive — it means the team handles the full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, from routine to highly complex.

Research Achievements

The department's research output is substantial and influential:

• National Science & Technology Progress Award (1st Class)
• 2 Chinese Medical Science & Technology Awards (2nd Class)
• 2 PLA Medical Achievement Awards (1st Class)
• Grants from National 973, 863, and Major New Drug Development Programs
• 154 SCI-indexed papers in the past 5 years (13 with impact factor >10)
• 24 consecutive years hosting the Xijing-Mayo Clinic International Cardiovascular Forum

The department's innovations aren't just published — they're adopted internationally, influencing how cardiology is practiced worldwide.

International Collaboration

The department maintains long-term academic exchange and collaboration with Mayo Clinic (USA) and other world-class institutions. The annual Xijing-Mayo International Cardiovascular Forum — held for 24 consecutive years — keeps the department at the forefront of international progress in coronary disease, arrhythmias, and structural heart disease.

This global network means your care benefits from international best practices and ongoing collaboration with world-leading institutions.

Location

Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University No. 15 Changle West Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

Xi'an is a major city in northwest China with international airport connections. Most international patients fly into Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).

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This guide is prepared for Central Asian and international patients. If you need assistance with medical consultation, appointment booking, or travel arrangements to Xijing Hospital's Cardiology Department, contact Medora for personalized support.