Customer Stories

Recently, at the invitation of the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre of Cardiology (RNPC “Cardiology”), Dr. Xiaofei Gao, Deputy Director of Cardiology and Head of the Catheterization Laboratory at Nanjing First Hospital, visited Belarus from February 3 to 4, 2026 to conduct a two-day training and live demonstration program focused on intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) for the treatment of severely calcified coronary artery disease.

The visit was conducted upon the recommendation of Professor Shaoliang Chen, a world-renowned cardiovascular expert, and aimed to introduce Belarusian cardiologists to the clinical application, procedural strategy, and case selection principles of IVL in complex coronary interventions. Beyond technical training, the program further strengthened academic exchange and mutual trust between Chinese and Belarusian cardiovascular communities, reflecting the growing international recognition of China’s clinical expertise in advanced coronary intervention.

High-Level Clinical Demonstration and Device Application

During the program, Dr. Gao successfully performed three high-difficulty coronary interventional procedures, including two complex cases in which previous interventional attempts at the local institution had been unsuccessful. All procedures were completed with clear procedural strategy, precise execution, and favorable angiographic results.

Throughout the live cases, Dr. Gao provided real-time explanations of key technical steps, while engaging in interactive discussions with more than 40 cardiovascular physicians from Minsk and surrounding hospitals. The procedures were broadcast live, drawing considerable attention from the local cardiology community.

The interventions were performed exclusively using medical devices developed and manufactured by Chinese companies, including an intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system and a range of adjunctive coronary intervention tools. Among the devices used were products manufactured by Lepu, including the Vesscrack Coronary IVL Balloon Dilatation Catheter System, NC Tadpole Non-Compliant PTCA Balloon Dilatation Catheters, Vesscide Cutting Balloon Dilatation Catheter, and the GuReater CoCr Sirolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System, which were applied as part of the overall procedural strategy for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions.

Why IVL Matters in Severe Coronary Calcification

Ischemic heart disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In patients with long-standing atherosclerosis, coronary plaques often become heavily calcified, making conventional balloon dilation and stent implantation technically difficult—or even unfeasible—due to extreme vessel rigidity. Inadequate lesion preparation in such cases is associated with suboptimal stent expansion, increased procedural complications, and poorer long-term outcomes.

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) addresses this critical clinical challenge by delivering controlled acoustic pressure waves within the vessel to selectively disrupt deep and superficial calcium while minimizing trauma to surrounding soft tissue. By improving vessel compliance, IVL facilitates more effective balloon dilation and optimal stent deployment, thereby enhancing procedural safety and predictability.

An increasing body of clinical evidence and real-world experience supports IVL as an important component of contemporary treatment strategies for severe coronary calcification. As experience grows, IVL is increasingly being adopted as part of a stepwise, patient-centered approach to managing complex calcified coronary lesions.

From Technology Exchange to Shared Medical Values

According to Professor Andrei Pristrom, Director of RNPC “Cardiology,” Belarus plans to gradually expand the adoption of IVL nationwide, starting with national-level centers and subsequently extending to regional hospitals and clinics in Minsk. This phased implementation reflects a strategic approach to introducing advanced interventional technologies within the national healthcare system.

The success of this masterclass extended far beyond the transfer of technical skills. Like a solid bridge, it further strengthened the longstanding friendship between China and Belarus and actively promoted international medical exchange and collaboration in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Ultimately, the advanced technologies and clinical concepts shared during this program are expected to benefit a broader population of patients in Belarus by offering safer, more effective treatment options. This represents the highest value of cross-border medical cooperation and the shared commitment of physicians worldwide—to place patient well-being at the center of innovation.

As part of China’s growing ecosystem of medical innovation, Lepu Medical is honored that its interventional products were applied in support of Chinese experts during international clinical exchange, contributing in a practical way to improved patient care beyond national borders. This role carries both responsibility and long-term commitment.

Looking forward, Chinese medical technology companies, together with clinical experts and healthcare institutions worldwide, will continue to advance research, education, and collaboration in cardiovascular medicine. Through sustained innovation and open exchange, advanced medical technologies can transcend borders and better serve the health needs of patients globally.

By contributing Chinese clinical experience and technological capability, the global cardiovascular community moves closer to a shared vision of improved care and outcomes for all.