Peking University, June 10, 2025: From 28 to 31 May, the 2025 Annual Meeting of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) was held in Istanbul, Türkiye. As one of the most prestigious global gatherings in the field, ISMICS brings together leading experts to share the latest advancements in minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic surgery. This year, the cardiac surgery team from Peking University Third Hospital (PUTH), led by Professor Ling Yunpeng, presented their latest achievements in robotic-assisted coronary artery surgery.

Ding Tong presents coronary artery bypass research at the conference

Ding Tong, a postdoctoral fellow at PUTH, delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Early Clinical Experience with Robotic-Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in a Single Centre.” His talk outlined the team’s innovative approach, which integrates robotic internal mammary artery harvesting with small-incision, direct-vision coronary artery bypass techniques. This hybrid method enables complete revascularisation, with encouraging early clinical results.

Fu Yuanhao presents research on minimally invasive CABG

The technique merges two well-established procedures to form a novel and effective surgical platform. Compared with fully robotic CABG, it offers a shorter learning curve, reduced medical costs, and greater ease of adoption. It also enables full arterial revascularisation using bilateral internal mammary arteries and radial artery grafts, thereby improving both short- and long-term patient outcomes. Notably, the technique avoids the need for chest wall retraction, resulting in less postoperative pain and quicker recovery. This research was recognised with the ISMICS/Edwards Young Investigator Award. 

In a separate poster session, Fu Yuanhao, Associate Chief Physician at PUTH’s Cardiology Department, presented on minimally invasive CABG and actively engaged in scholarly discussion with international experts.

As a national leader in minimally invasive coronary surgery, PUTH remains at the forefront of surgical innovation and international academic exchange. This recognition at ISMICS highlights China’s expanding role in the advancement of minimally invasive cardiac care, marking a significant milestone that underlines the global relevance of Chinese surgical innovation in improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of robotic cardiovascular procedures.

Fu Yuanhao (right) and Ding Tong (left) in a group photo with the conference’s presidium

Written by: Pralhad Gupta
Edited by: Chen Shizhuo
Source: PKU News (Chinese)