Haifu operates its own 32-bed Clinical Center for Tumor Therapy at the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU). The center, which was the first to treat breast cancer and bone tumors with HIFU, draws patients from around the world. In 2004, the center added gynecological diseases to its clinical specialties and now treats patients with lichen sclerosis, squamous cell hyperplasia and chronic cervicitis.
To build a global presence, Haifu has established relationships with leading academic research sites, including the University of Oxford (UK), University of Utah (USA), University of Chiba (Japan), Catholic University of Korea (South Korea) and University of Hong Kong (China). The company is also exploring new commercial opportunities, including a highly promising collaboration with Siemens Medical Solutions that is developing an MR-guided focused ultrasound system to treat uterine fibroids, osteosarcoma and other tumors.
Meet Wang Zhibiao, MD
Haifu’s story cannot be told without introducing its founder, Wang Zhibiao, MD. A renown Chinese scientist, Wang serves as director of the National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasonic Medicine of China and as distinguished professor and head of the Biomedical Engineering Department at CQMU.
Born in Chongqing in 1958, Wang graduated from CQMU and earned his undergraduate degree in Clinical Medicine in 1983. He completed a master’s degree in 1990 and a doctorate in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1993.
Wang began researching the biological effects of ultrasound in 1988 and developed high intensity focused ultrasound treatments for solid malignancies in 1989. Six years later, he and his colleagues became the first in the world to use HIFU clinically when they treated a patient with bone cancer.
In 1997, Wang oversaw the establishment of the Institute of Ultrasound Engineering in Medicine in Chongqing. In 1999, Wang and his colleagues established Haifu, and the Chinese SFDA approved HIFU for tumor treatment. By 2001, 20 ultrasound-guided Haifu systems were installed around the country.
Collaborative approach
Haifu’s ongoing collaboration with CQMU and its affiliated hospitals forms the basis of its integrated approach to manufacturing, marketing, education and research and development. In collaboration with CQMU, the company set up the National Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Medicine 2005. That center, which integrates R&D, engineering and clinical medicine, remains the only one approved by the National Development and Reform Commission of China in the field of digital medical devices.
Haifu also operates a Clinical Training Center at the 1st and 2nd Affiliated Hospital of CQMU which has trained and qualified physicians from 13 countries and regions in noninvasive ultrasound ablation techniques. It is the only clinical training site in the world that has been approved by the China Minister of Health for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
Chongqing Haifu Hospital
Located at the foot of Zhaomushan Arboretum of Liangjiang New Area in Chongqing, Chongqing Haifu Hospital (CHH) is the first HIFU-dedicated hospital in the world. Currently, it offers treatments for diseases of the uterus and will soon expand its clinical offerings to include benign and malignant solid tumors in other areas of the body.
As a member of the National Engineering Center of Ultrasound Medicine and the 1st Affiliated Hospital, CHH embraces the philosophy of “respect life by respecting organs.” It’s goal is to minimize harm to patients’ bodies and hearts by using advanced medical technology. The hospital offers a natural environment and home care style service and combines psychological rehabilitation with life-style and behavioral guidance to improve patient health. More information about CHH can be found at: www.haifuhospital.com. Inquiries can be made via telephone to 86-23-67886660 or by email at hosp@haifuhospital.com
Equipment
Haifu’s product line currently consists of four ultrasound-guided systems:
JC System and JC200 System – treats solid tumors, including primary and metastatic liver cancer, breast cancer, primary and metastatic malignant bone tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and benign tumors such as uterine fibroids and breast fibroadenomas. The system has received regulatory approval in China, Korea, Russia and the European Union.
Seapostar system – treats gynecological diseases such non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of vulva, vulval condyloma acuminatum, chronic cervicitis and cervical ectopy, cysts and hypertrophy.
Seapopinna system – provides a treatment for allergic rhinitis that protects and maintains the structure of nasal cavity and nasal mucosa without any nose bleed, adhesion of nasal cavity, mycteroxerosis or postnasal drip.
Written by Ellen C., McKenna