Beijing Anzhen Hospital: A Guide for International Patients
Beijing Anzhen Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, is a major cardiovascular center in Beijing. Its clinical services cover cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular disease, cardiac imaging, critical care, and rehabilitation.
For international patients, Anzhen Hospital may be particularly relevant for complex heart rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, aortic disease, and cases requiring review by both cardiology and cardiac surgery teams.
Major Areas of Expertise
- atrial fibrillation and complex cardiac arrhythmias;
- electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation;
- coronary artery bypass grafting;
- minimally invasive coronary surgery;
- aortic disease and hybrid vascular procedures;
- combined surgical and catheter-based coronary treatment;
- cardiogenic shock and high-risk cardiac care; and
- multidisciplinary cardiovascular assessment.
Professor Ma Changsheng
Professor Ma Changsheng is Director of the Cardiology Center and Chief of the First Arrhythmia Ward at Beijing Anzhen Hospital. He is a chief physician, professor, and doctoral supervisor whose work focuses on atrial fibrillation and complex rhythm disorders.
His clinical areas include catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia, as well as other cardiovascular interventional treatments. He performed an early atrial fibrillation ablation procedure in China in 1998 and has contributed to the development of ablation strategies for persistent atrial fibrillation.
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and the Modified 2C3L Strategy
Persistent atrial fibrillation can be more difficult to treat than intermittent atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation is the foundation of many ablation procedures, but some patients may require additional treatment according to the electrical pattern and structure of the heart.
Professor Ma led the PROMPT-AF randomized clinical trial, published in JAMA in 2024. The study evaluated an optimized linear ablation strategy, known as modified 2C3L, that combined pulmonary vein isolation with additional ablation lines and ethanol treatment of the vein of Marshall.
Results from a clinical trial do not mean the same procedure is appropriate for every patient. The treatment plan depends on the type and duration of atrial fibrillation, left atrial size, previous procedures, stroke and bleeding risks, and the electrophysiology team’s assessment.
Professor Li Haiyang
Professor Li Haiyang is Vice President of Beijing Anzhen Hospital and Chief of the First Coronary Surgery Ward. He is a chief physician, professor, and doctoral supervisor specializing in surgery for coronary artery disease and aortic disease.
His principal clinical areas include minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting through a smaller incision, aortic hybrid surgery, combined or “one-stop” coronary revascularization, and selected procedures designed to address both cardiac and cerebrovascular risks. He also focuses on surgical rescue for cardiogenic shock.
Minimally Invasive and Hybrid Cardiac Surgery
Coronary artery bypass grafting creates a new pathway around severely narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. In selected patients, a minimally invasive approach may reduce the size of the chest incision, but eligibility depends on coronary anatomy, the number and location of blocked vessels, previous surgery, heart function, and other medical conditions.
Hybrid coronary revascularization may combine a surgical bypass with catheter-based coronary intervention. For aortic disease, hybrid treatment may combine open surgical reconstruction with an endovascular stent graft. These approaches require individualized planning by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
Who May Benefit from an Evaluation?
A specialist review at Beijing Anzhen Hospital may be considered when a patient:
- has persistent or recurrent atrial fibrillation despite medication;
- has experienced arrhythmia again after a previous ablation;
- needs a second opinion on catheter ablation or rhythm-control treatment;
- has complex or multivessel coronary artery disease;
- has been advised to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery;
- wants to know whether minimally invasive or hybrid treatment is feasible;
- has an aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or another complex aortic condition;
- has reduced heart function or a history of cardiogenic shock; or
- has received conflicting recommendations about surgery and catheter-based treatment.
Warning Signs Requiring Emergency Care
Chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, sudden weakness, signs of stroke, a sustained rapid heartbeat with instability, or sudden severe chest or back pain require immediate local emergency care. Patients should not delay urgent treatment while arranging international travel.
Medical Records to Prepare
International patients should prepare a complete cardiovascular file, including:
- a concise medical summary and timeline of symptoms;
- 12-lead electrocardiograms and Holter or event-monitor reports;
- echocardiography images and reports;
- coronary CT angiography or invasive coronary angiography images;
- cardiac CT or MRI when available;
- previous electrophysiology and ablation reports;
- operative notes, bypass-graft details, stent records, and discharge summaries;
- aortic CT angiography in original DICOM format for aortic disease;
- recent blood tests, including kidney function and coagulation results;
- a current medication list, especially anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines; and
- a list of specific questions for the specialist.
Original DICOM imaging is essential when a surgeon or cardiologist needs to assess coronary or aortic anatomy. Screenshots and written reports alone may not provide enough detail.
Planning Care in Beijing
Before travel, patients should confirm whether their case can be reviewed, whether an in-person examination is required, and which tests may need to be repeated. A complex case may require input from electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, anesthesia, and intensive care.
Remote review is subject to physician authorization and can help clarify the next step, but it does not replace emergency treatment or an in-person cardiovascular assessment. Procedure eligibility, expected hospital stay, and costs can only be confirmed by the treating team after reviewing the complete case.
How CMCS Can Assist
CMCS – China Medical Concierge Shanghai is an independent medical concierge and health management company, not a hospital. We assist international patients with organizing medical records, identifying an appropriate specialist, requesting appointment availability, arranging medical interpretation, and planning travel for care in China.
Access to a particular doctor, remote review, surgery, ablation, or other treatment is subject to the hospital’s and physician’s approval. CMCS does not guarantee appointments, treatment eligibility, or clinical outcomes.
For assistance, contact CMCS:
- Email: contract@medicalsh.com
- WhatsApp: Contact us on WhatsApp
- Website: www.medicalsh.com
Important Note
Doctor titles, clinical roles, research findings, technologies, and appointment arrangements may change. Patients should confirm current information with the hospital before travel. This article is based on publicly available hospital profiles and academic sources and is provided for general information only. It is not individual medical advice and does not replace assessment by a qualified physician.
0 Kommentare