Dr. Chen Yihan – Cardiology & Cardiac Arrhythmia at Tongji Hospital Shanghai | CMCS

About Tongji Hospital, Tongji University

Tongji Hospital, Tongji University (同济大学附属同济医院) is one of Shanghai's premier academic medical centers and a national leader in cardiovascular medicine, organ transplantation, and clinical research. Affiliated with Tongji University's School of Medicine, the hospital is consistently ranked among China's top comprehensive hospitals and is designated as a National Clinical Research Center for cardiovascular diseases. With over 1,800 beds and a faculty of internationally trained clinician-scientists, Tongji Hospital combines the academic rigor of a world-class research institution with the clinical volume and subspecialty depth of a major tertiary referral center. For international patients, Tongji Hospital offers access to China's most advanced cardiovascular care — including electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, and heart failure management — supported end-to-end by CMCS Shanghai's medical concierge services.

About Dr. Chen Yihan (陈义汉)

Dr. Chen Yihan (陈义汉) is an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chief Physician, and Professor in the Department of Cardiology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai. One of China's most distinguished cardiovascular scientists and clinicians, Dr. Chen is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking research in cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms, cardiac electrophysiology, and the molecular basis of heart failure. His laboratory has made seminal contributions to the understanding of ion channel biology, arrhythmia genetics, and the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation — work that has been published in leading international journals including Nature Medicine, Circulation, and the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

As a clinician, Dr. Chen leads one of China's most advanced cardiac electrophysiology programs, with expertise in catheter ablation for complex arrhythmias, device therapy (pacemakers, ICDs, CRT), and the integrated management of arrhythmia and heart failure. His unique position as both a world-class basic scientist and a high-volume clinical electrophysiologist makes him one of the most sought-after cardiologists in China for patients with complex or refractory arrhythmias, inherited cardiac conditions, and arrhythmia-related heart failure.

Academic Distinction & Leadership

• Academician, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) — the highest academic honor in Chinese science
• Chief Physician & Professor, Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University
• Director, Shanghai East Hospital Cardiovascular Center (affiliated)
• Principal Investigator, National Key Research and Development Program — Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Chair or Vice-Chair, Chinese Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology
• Member, Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) — International
• Member, European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)
• Editor, Chinese Journal of Cardiac Arrhythmias and related publications
• Author of over 200 peer-reviewed publications in leading Chinese and international cardiovascular journals
• Recipient, National Natural Science Award (China) and multiple national science and technology prizes

Specializations & Expertise

Cardiac Arrhythmia — Diagnosis & Management

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) — medical management, rate and rhythm control, anticoagulation strategy
• Atrial flutter — diagnosis and catheter ablation
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) — AVNRT, AVRT, atrial tachycardia
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT) — idiopathic VT, scar-related VT, VT storm
• Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac death prevention
• Bradyarrhythmias — sick sinus syndrome, AV block, bundle branch block
• Inherited arrhythmia syndromes — Brugada syndrome, Long QT syndrome, Short QT syndrome, CPVT, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
• Syncope evaluation — tilt table testing, implantable loop recorder

Catheter Ablation — Advanced Electrophysiology

• Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation — radiofrequency and cryoablation
• Long-standing persistent AF ablation — substrate modification, posterior wall isolation, linear lesions
• Ventricular tachycardia ablation — idiopathic VT (RVOT, LV fascicular), scar-related VT (ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy)
• SVT ablation — AVNRT, accessory pathway (WPW syndrome), atrial tachycardia
• Atrial flutter ablation — cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation, atypical flutter
• 3D electroanatomic mapping (CARTO, EnSite) for complex arrhythmia ablation
• Contact force-guided ablation and high-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation

Cardiac Device Therapy

• Permanent pacemaker implantation — single-chamber, dual-chamber, physiological pacing (His bundle pacing, left bundle branch area pacing)
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) — primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT/CRT-D) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and LBBB
• Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) for patients without pacing indication
• Leadless pacemaker implantation (Micra)
• Device troubleshooting, lead revision, and generator replacement
• Remote monitoring and device follow-up

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) — guideline-directed medical therapy optimization
• Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy — diagnosis and management (tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — medical management, septal reduction therapy evaluation
• Dilated cardiomyopathy — genetic evaluation, medical management, device therapy
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) — diagnosis, risk stratification, ICD implantation

Inherited Cardiac Conditions & Genetic Cardiology

• Inherited arrhythmia syndromes — Brugada, Long QT, Short QT, CPVT, Early Repolarization Syndrome
• Genetic cardiomyopathies — HCM, DCM, ARVC, LVNC
• Family screening and cascade genetic testing
• Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in inherited conditions
• Preconception counseling for patients with inherited cardiac conditions

Clinical Excellence

• China's Leading Cardiac Electrophysiologist: Dr. Chen Yihan is widely regarded as one of China's foremost authorities in cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia management. His dual expertise as a world-class basic scientist and high-volume clinical electrophysiologist gives him a unique depth of understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms that directly informs his clinical decision-making — particularly for complex, refractory, or genetically determined arrhythmias.
• Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Expert: Dr. Chen leads one of China's highest-volume AF ablation programs, with expertise in both paroxysmal and persistent AF ablation using the latest radiofrequency and cryoablation technologies. His research into AF mechanisms has directly shaped ablation strategies used at Tongji Hospital and across China.
• Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation: Extensive experience in catheter ablation of complex ventricular tachycardias — including scar-related VT in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy — using advanced 3D electroanatomic mapping and substrate modification techniques.
• Inherited Arrhythmia Specialist: A recognized national authority on inherited arrhythmia syndromes, Dr. Chen's laboratory has identified novel genetic mutations underlying Brugada syndrome, Long QT syndrome, and CPVT. His clinical practice integrates genetic testing, risk stratification, and individualized management for patients and families with inherited cardiac conditions.
• Physiological Pacing Pioneer: Early adopter and advocate of His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing — physiological pacing techniques that preserve normal ventricular activation and reduce the risk of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy compared to conventional right ventricular pacing.

Research & Academic Contributions

Dr. Chen Yihan is one of China's most prolific and internationally recognized cardiovascular researchers. His research has been published in Nature Medicine, Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), European Heart Journal, and other leading international journals. Key research contributions include:

• Ion channel biology and cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms — molecular basis of AF, VT, and inherited arrhythmia syndromes
• Genetic basis of inherited arrhythmia syndromes — novel mutations in SCN5A, KCNQ1, KCNH2, RYR2, and other arrhythmia genes
• Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation — substrate characterization, ablation strategy optimization, and long-term outcomes
• Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy — mechanisms and reversibility with ablation
• Physiological pacing — His bundle and left bundle branch area pacing outcomes
• Heart failure and arrhythmia interaction — CRT optimization and device therapy outcomes

Hospital Affiliation

Tongji Hospital, Tongji University (同济大学附属同济医院)
389 Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 200065

Tongji Hospital's Department of Cardiology is one of China's most advanced cardiovascular centers, designated as a National Clinical Research Center for cardiovascular diseases. The department offers:

• State-of-the-art electrophysiology laboratory with 3D electroanatomic mapping (CARTO, EnSite NavX), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), and contact force-guided ablation technology
• High-volume catheter ablation program — AF, VT, SVT, and complex arrhythmias
• Comprehensive cardiac device program — pacemakers, ICDs, CRT, leadless pacemakers, S-ICD
• Advanced cardiac imaging: cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, 3D echocardiography, nuclear cardiology
• Heart failure clinic with advanced heart failure therapies including LVAD and transplant evaluation
• Inherited cardiac conditions clinic with genetic counseling and cascade family screening
• Cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with full hemodynamic monitoring and mechanical circulatory support
• International patient services with English-speaking coordinators

Patient Care Philosophy

• Mechanism-Based Treatment: Dr. Chen's deep understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms — from the molecular to the clinical level — enables a precision medicine approach to arrhythmia management. Treatment decisions are based on a thorough understanding of each patient's specific arrhythmia mechanism, substrate, and risk profile.
• Integrated Arrhythmia and Heart Failure Management: Arrhythmia and heart failure are deeply interconnected. Dr. Chen's practice integrates the management of both conditions, ensuring that arrhythmia treatment is optimized in the context of each patient's overall cardiac function.
• Evidence-Based and Guideline-Directed: All treatment decisions are grounded in current international guidelines (ESC, ACC/AHA, HRS) and the best available clinical evidence, adapted to each patient's individual circumstances.
• Transparent Communication: Honest discussion of treatment options, procedural risks, and realistic outcomes — ensuring patients and families make fully informed decisions about their cardiac care.

Why Choose Dr. Chen Yihan?

• Academician-Level Expertise: CAS Academician status — the highest academic recognition in Chinese science — reflects Dr. Chen's exceptional contributions to cardiovascular medicine and his standing as one of China's most distinguished physician-scientists.
• Unmatched Arrhythmia Expertise: Unique combination of world-class basic science research in arrhythmia mechanisms and high-volume clinical electrophysiology practice — ideal for patients with complex, refractory, or genetically determined arrhythmias.
• Inherited Cardiac Conditions Authority: National authority on inherited arrhythmia syndromes and genetic cardiomyopathies — with integrated genetic testing, risk stratification, and family screening capabilities.
• Advanced Ablation Technology: Access to the latest catheter ablation technologies — including 3D electroanatomic mapping, intracardiac echocardiography, contact force-guided ablation, and cryoablation — at one of China's highest-volume electrophysiology centers.
• Physiological Pacing Pioneer: Expertise in His bundle and left bundle branch area pacing — the most physiological pacing techniques available — for patients requiring permanent pacing.
• International Patient Friendly: Experienced with international patients and supported by CMCS's end-to-end concierge services.
• Cost-Effective Excellence: World-class cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia care in Shanghai at a fraction of the cost of equivalent centers in the US, UK, or Europe.

International Patient Services

China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking cardiology and electrophysiology consultation with Dr. Chen Yihan at Tongji Hospital, Tongji University.

Pre-Consultation Support

• Medical Record Review: Review of all available ECGs, Holter monitor reports, echocardiograms, cardiac MRI, electrophysiology study reports, and prior cardiology records before your appointment
• Virtual Pre-Consultation: Video consultation to discuss your arrhythmia history and determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment pathway
• Appointment Coordination: Direct booking with Dr. Chen Yihan's clinic at Tongji Hospital
• Visa Assistance: Medical visa invitation letters and guidance
• Accommodation: Hotel recommendations near Tongji Hospital in Putuo District, Shanghai

During Your Visit

• Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced English-Chinese medical interpreters for all consultations and investigations
• Hospital Navigation: Assistance with registration, procedural scheduling, admission, and payment
• 24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock assistance throughout your stay in Shanghai

Post-Consultation Care

• Medical Report Translation: Complete translation of consultation notes, ECG and Holter reports, echocardiogram results, and procedural reports
• Follow-Up Coordination: Coordination of post-procedural clinic visits, device follow-up, and repeat investigations
• Telemedicine Follow-Up: Virtual consultations for ongoing arrhythmia monitoring and medication management after returning home
• Home Physician Liaison: Communication of findings and treatment plan to your home country cardiologist or electrophysiologist

Treatment Protocols & Patient Journey

Step 1: Pre-Consultation Review

CMCS Shanghai coordinates a review of all available cardiac investigations — including 12-lead ECGs, Holter monitor recordings, echocardiogram reports, cardiac MRI, genetic test results, and prior electrophysiology study reports — before your first appointment with Dr. Chen. This allows his team to characterize your arrhythmia and plan the consultation efficiently.

Step 2: In-Person Consultation & Clinical Assessment

Your consultation begins with a thorough cardiac history and physical examination. Dr. Chen will review all available investigations in detail and may recommend same-day investigations — including resting ECG, echocardiogram, or ambulatory Holter monitoring — where indicated. CMCS provides full medical interpretation throughout.

Step 3: Diagnostic Workup (Where Indicated)

Depending on your arrhythmia, additional investigations may be recommended, including prolonged ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter, event recorder, or implantable loop recorder), exercise stress testing, cardiac MRI for structural assessment and scar characterization, genetic testing for inherited arrhythmia syndromes, or tilt table testing for syncope evaluation. CMCS coordinates all bookings and accompanies you through each investigation.

Step 4: Electrophysiology Study & Ablation Planning

For patients being considered for catheter ablation, a diagnostic electrophysiology study (EPS) may be performed to characterize the arrhythmia mechanism and confirm ablation candidacy. Ablation strategy is planned using 3D electroanatomic mapping and, where indicated, cardiac MRI-based substrate characterization. The procedure is discussed in detail with the patient before proceeding, including approach, expected outcomes, and risks.

Step 5: Catheter Ablation or Device Implantation

Catheter ablation is performed in Tongji Hospital's state-of-the-art electrophysiology laboratory under general anesthesia or deep sedation, using 3D electroanatomic mapping, intracardiac echocardiography, and contact force-guided ablation technology. Device implantation (pacemaker, ICD, CRT) is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Hospital stay is typically 2–3 days for ablation procedures and 2–4 days for device implantation. CMCS provides on-site support throughout the admission.

Step 6: Long-Term Follow-Up

Post-procedural follow-up includes ECG and Holter monitoring at 1, 3, and 6 months to assess ablation success and arrhythmia recurrence. Device patients are enrolled in remote monitoring programs. CMCS coordinates remote follow-up consultations with Dr. Chen for international patients between visits to Shanghai, and liaises with your home country cardiologist to ensure continuity of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cardiac conditions does Dr. Chen Yihan specialize in?

Dr. Chen's primary areas of expertise are cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, SVT, inherited arrhythmia syndromes), catheter ablation, cardiac device therapy (pacemakers, ICDs, CRT), and arrhythmia-related heart failure and cardiomyopathy. He is also a national authority on inherited cardiac conditions including Brugada syndrome, Long QT syndrome, and CPVT.

Can Dr. Chen provide a second opinion on an arrhythmia diagnosis or ablation recommendation?

Yes. Second opinions are a common reason international patients consult Dr. Chen, particularly for complex arrhythmias where ablation has failed or been deemed high-risk, inherited arrhythmia syndromes requiring risk stratification, and heart failure patients being evaluated for CRT or ICD therapy. CMCS can arrange a pre-consultation review of your ECGs, Holter recordings, and cardiac imaging before your visit.

What is catheter ablation and how effective is it for atrial fibrillation?

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation involves delivering radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy through a catheter to electrically isolate the pulmonary veins — the most common source of AF triggers. For paroxysmal AF, ablation achieves freedom from AF in approximately 70–80% of patients after a single procedure, with higher success rates after repeat procedures. For persistent AF, success rates are somewhat lower and may require more extensive ablation. Dr. Chen's team will assess your specific AF pattern, duration, and substrate to advise on the expected success rate for your individual case.

What is His bundle pacing and why is it better than conventional pacing?

His bundle pacing and left bundle branch area pacing are physiological pacing techniques that deliver the pacing stimulus directly to the heart's natural conduction system — producing a normal, coordinated ventricular activation pattern. Conventional right ventricular pacing produces an abnormal activation pattern that can weaken the heart over time (pacing-induced cardiomyopathy). Physiological pacing preserves normal ventricular function and is now preferred for patients who require frequent or permanent ventricular pacing. Dr. Chen is one of China's pioneers in physiological pacing techniques.

What languages does Dr. Chen's team communicate in?

Dr. Chen's clinical team communicates primarily in Mandarin Chinese. CMCS Shanghai provides full English medical interpretation for all consultations, procedural discussions, and post-procedural care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you or a family member is seeking expert cardiac arrhythmia evaluation, catheter ablation, device therapy, or a second opinion on a cardiac electrophysiology condition in Shanghai, CMCS Shanghai can arrange a consultation with Dr. Chen Yihan at Tongji Hospital, Tongji University.

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CMCS Shanghai — Connecting international patients with China's top cardiologists and electrophysiologists, from first inquiry to full recovery.

Disclaimer: This profile is intended for educational and informational purposes only. CMCS Shanghai is a medical concierge service and does not provide direct medical care. All clinical decisions are made by licensed physicians at accredited hospitals.