On February 8, 2023, the domestic extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) device “Huisheng-I” was launched in the Translational Medicine Complex, PUMCH, witnessed by representatives and leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the National Health Commission (NHC), and Beijing Municipality. This domestic ECMO features completely independent and controllable key technologies and core components. Once marketed, it will erect the last line of defense for patients in critical and acute conditions. The device is a case in point about how to effectively remove bottlenecks in key technologies of medical devices.

ECMO is an important part of the life support system for critically and acutely ill patients as well as an important method that buys more time for such patients. However, they are technologically sophisticated and expensive. The domestic ECMO device recently marketed is on a par with similar products in the international market in terms of overall performance and parameters, and even outperforms them in terms of some parameters. In addition, it significantly reduces medical expenditure and thus makes the advanced life support system in China much more accessible. Now ECMO has become a device that patients can access and afford in times of dire need.  

▲Wang Weiming, Director-General of Equipment Industry Dept.Ⅰof MIIT; Wu Xiangtian, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Planning and Information of NHC; Wang Lei, Deputy Director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economic and Information Technology; Academician Wang Wei of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation; and Wu Peixin, Vice President of PUMCH all delivered remarks

The ECMO project was headed by Zeng Si, Director of the No. 18 research institute under the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. He looked back on the two-year R&D journey of the project. As the clinical trial leading unit of the project, PUMCH was involved during the whole process from R&D, animal experiments to clinical trials. Du Bin, deputy head of the project, briefed the audience about the clinical trial results.

▲Zeng Si, head of the ECMO project, looked back on the R&D process

▲Du Bin, Vice President of PUMCH, briefed the audience about the clinical trial results

Huisheng-I ECMO was developed by RocketMedical, a subsidiary under the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. On January 17, 2023, it passed the review and obtained the approval of the National Medical Products Administration. Applying independent and controllable technologies and granted all the intellectual property rights involved, the device is representative of innovative practices that are both original and pioneering in the medical-engineering field. Despite differences of their profession, the R&D team members worked together to make scientific planning and cooperate in their innovative pursuits. This is the perfect case in point about China’s institutional advantage of mobilizing relevant resources nationwide for pursuing breakthroughs in key medical technologies. It also speaks volumes about the vigorous efforts that the medical and aerospace communities make in line with the mission laid out in the report of the 20th CPC National Congress, which is “accelerating the pace to achieve independence and strength in high-level science and technology with the sight set on the global frontiers of science and technology, the country’s major needs and people’s life and health”.

▲ The ECMO launch ceremony

▲Group picture of participants

Written by Chen Xiao and Chen Mingyan

Photographed by Sun Liang

Translated by Liu Haiyan

Edited by Wang Yao