WeFlow-Arch™ by WeiQiang Medical Wins 2020 Frank J. Veith International Society Innovation Award — China's First and Only Recipient

Beijing, March 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At noon on March 12, 2021 (Eastern Time), which was early morning on March 13, 2021 (Beijing Time), the WeFlow-Arch™ modular endovascular stent-graft system for the aortic arch (hereinafter referred to as “WeFlow-Arch™”), developed by Wei Qiang Medical, an innovative medical device company in the peripheral vascular field, under the leadership of Professor Guo Wei from the Department of Vascular Surgery at the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, was honored withFRANK J. VEITHNominated for the 2020 Annual “Innovation in Vascular and Endovascular Therapy” Award by the International Society, becomingThe First and Currently OnlyChinese Products That Have Won This Award.

The Frank J. Veith International Society established the annual “Innovation in Vascular and Endovascular Therapy” Award to recognize and encourage innovative contributions in the fields of vascular and endovascular medicine. This year’s five award-winning projects were selected through a formal evaluation by an international panel of judges from numerous applications for vascular innovation technologies submitted worldwide.

The Frank J. Veith International Society Establishes the Annual “Innovation in Vascular and Endovascular Therapy” Award

WeFlow-Arch™ is an innovative medical device independently developed and designed by Wei Qiang Medical for endovascular reconstruction of the aortic arch. ItsWorld's FirstThe modular main body with embedded branch structure is expected to address the global challenge of endovascular treatment for complex aortic arch diseases. This product entered the National Medical Products Administration’s Innovative Medical Device Special Review Program (Green Channel) in January 2021 and is currently undergoing clinical trials for the new technology. Five patients have been enrolled; four have completed follow-up for up to 12 months, and one has completed 6-month follow-up. Results demonstrated favorable stent configuration, patency of the aorta and branch vessels, and no occurrence of endoleaks or other complications.

Professor Guo Wei, from the Department of Vascular Surgery at the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, as the principal investigator of WeFlow-Arch™, in “FRANK J. VEITHAt the 2020 Annual Online Conference on “Innovations in Vascular and Endovascular Therapy” hosted by an international society, global experts were introduced to WeFlow-Arch™ and its clinical performance. The device received acclaim from leading international experts, including Professor Juan C. Parodi and Professor Enrico Ascher, who praised the development of this modular branched stent as “a highly creative endeavor.”

Award-Winning Products

Professor Guo Wei, as the principal investigator of WeFlow-Arch™, introduces product innovations and clinical performance

WeFlow-Arch™ is a flagship product in Wei Qiang Medical’s comprehensive solution portfolio for the interventional treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, representing an outstanding medical device developed under its innovative model integrating medicine and engineering in China. In 2019, Wei Qiang Medical established the Institute for Minimally Invasive Vascular Disease Treatment Technologies in China, building a bridge between clinical practice and engineering to develop targeted solutions addressing clinical pain points, particularly those specific to the Chinese clinical landscape.

Currently, Wei Qiang Medical has developed multiple internationally or domestically pioneering products for peripheral vascular intervention, establishing a leading and comprehensive presence in the field of peripheral vessels, including the aorta, veins, and lower extremity arteries. Among these are the WeFlow-Tbranch single-internal-branch thoracic aortic stent-graft system, the Grency venous stent system, and Ballet^®Thirteen products, including vena cava filters, are all in the clinical trial stage. Currently, progress across all projects is proceeding smoothly, with favorable clinical feedback, holding promise to provide innovative therapeutic solutions for the interventional treatment of various complex peripheral vascular diseases.

A representative of Wei Qiang Medical stated, “Innovation is a crucial lever for driving corporate development and industry advancement. Wei Qiang Medical’s robust innovation capability stems from a new Chinese model of medical-engineering integration, designed to meet the clinical needs in China. We will continue to prioritize patient needs, uphold independent innovation through medical-engineering collaboration, and provide comprehensive solutions in the field of peripheral vascular care, thereby benefiting more patients.”