Who Is Dr. Zhao Qiang?
Dr. Zhao Qiang (赵强) is the Director of Cardiac Surgery at Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and one of China's most distinguished cardiac surgeons. Internationally recognized for his expertise in heart transplantation, advanced heart failure surgery, and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Zhao leads one of China's most active cardiac transplant programs. His department at Ruijin Hospital is at the forefront of surgical innovation for end-stage heart disease, offering patients access to treatments — including left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and heart transplantation — that represent the last frontier of cardiac care.
What Conditions Does He Treat?
Dr. Zhao Qiang specializes in the surgical management of advanced cardiac conditions, including:
- End-stage heart failure requiring surgical intervention
- Heart transplantation (orthotopic cardiac transplant)
- Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as bridge to transplant or destination therapy
- Mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, IABP, Impella)
- Complex valve surgery in patients with reduced cardiac function
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in high-risk patients
- Congenital heart disease in adults requiring surgical correction
- Cardiac tumors and complex reoperations
Why International Patients Choose Dr. Zhao
For patients with end-stage heart failure who have exhausted medical therapy, Dr. Zhao Qiang's team at Ruijin Hospital offers access to heart transplantation and LVAD therapy — options that may have long waiting lists or limited availability in their home countries. China's cardiac transplant programs have grown significantly in recent years, and Ruijin Hospital's program is among the most experienced in the country. For patients who need a second opinion on whether they are candidates for advanced heart failure surgery, or who want to explore LVAD as an alternative to transplantation, Dr. Zhao's expertise provides critical guidance. His work complements the cardiac surgical expertise of Dr. Wang Chunsheng at Zhongshan Hospital, giving CMCS patients access to top cardiac surgeons at two of Shanghai's premier institutions.
How CMCS Arranges Your Appointment
CMCS manages every aspect of your medical visit so you can focus on your health. Here's how we help:
- Initial Consultation: Contact CMCS and share your cardiac imaging, echocardiogram, catheterization reports, and heart failure treatment history.
- Case Review: Our team reviews your case and confirms the most appropriate specialist within Dr. Zhao's department.
- Appointment Booking: We coordinate directly with Ruijin Hospital to secure your consultation, including urgent cases when needed.
- Pre-Visit Preparation: We advise on which imaging files and cardiac studies to bring or send in advance for pre-operative review.
- On-the-Day Support: A CMCS coordinator accompanies you through registration, consultation, and any same-day assessments.
- Treatment Coordination: If transplant evaluation or LVAD implantation is recommended, CMCS helps coordinate the full process including hospital admission and pre-operative workup.
What to Prepare Before Your Visit
To ensure the most productive consultation with Dr. Zhao Qiang, please prepare:
- Recent echocardiogram report (with ejection fraction and detailed cardiac function assessment)
- Right heart catheterization report (if available — essential for transplant evaluation)
- Cardiac MRI (if performed)
- 6-minute walk test results and NYHA functional class assessment
- Complete heart failure medication history including current doses
- Records of any prior cardiac surgeries or device implantations (ICD, CRT, pacemaker)
- Blood type and recent blood tests: CBC, renal and liver function, BNP/NT-proBNP
- Your passport and travel/health insurance documents
What to Expect on the Day
Ruijin Hospital's Cardiac Surgery Department is equipped with advanced cardiac operating theaters, perfusion technology, ECMO capabilities, and a dedicated cardiac ICU. Your consultation with Dr. Zhao will involve a thorough review of your cardiac function data and clinical history, followed by a frank discussion of surgical options — including whether LVAD, transplant listing, or other surgical approaches are appropriate for your case. CMCS will ensure all communication is clear and that you leave with a complete understanding of your options and next steps. If additional cardiac imaging or catheterization is needed, we can coordinate referrals to Cardiology or other specialist departments within Ruijin Hospital seamlessly.
Contact CMCS to Get Started
Ready to book your consultation with Dr. Zhao Qiang at Ruijin Hospital? Contact our team today:
CMCS is your trusted medical concierge partner in Shanghai — making world-class Chinese healthcare accessible to international patients.
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