Beijing Mingde Hospital Launches AquaBeam Aquablation Robotic System, Ushering in a New Era of Precision Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

In April, the spring breeze is gentle and pleasant. Today, Beijing Mingde Hospital officially held the launch ceremony for the Aquabeam robotic waterjet ablation project, marking the formal introduction of this cutting-edge international precision urological technology. This initiative provides patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Beijing and surrounding areas with a new minimally invasive, efficient, and safe treatment option. The launch event invited industry experts, partner enterprises, and multiple mainstream media outlets to participate and witness this significant milestone in the field of precision minimally invasive surgery.

Surgical medicine has entered a new era of precision minimally invasive and intelligent healthcare. As a common condition among middle-aged and elderly men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has long been associated with the drawbacks of traditional treatments, such as thermal injury, significant bleeding, and slow postoperative recovery. The emergence of Aquabeam robotic waterjet technology offers a revolutionary solution to these challenges. As the global pioneer and leader in robotic waterjet minimally invasive surgery, the US-made Aquabeam system, guided by its revolutionary philosophy of “preserving function while effectively treating the disease,” has been authoritatively recognized by the American Urological Association (AUA) as the new international gold standard for BPH surgical management, following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This achievement sets a epoch-making technical benchmark in the field of international urology.As the first robot specifically approved for BPH surgery in China, Aquabeam utilizes high-pressure water jets as its “blade.” With core advantages including precise cutting, functional preservation, minimal bleeding, absence of thermal injury, and high surgical efficiency, it has completed over 100,000 clinical procedures worldwide and accumulated more than 150 peer-reviewed clinical publications, gaining widespread recognition for its safety and efficacy within the international urological community.Notably, Aquabeam’s clinical applications have expanded beyond BPH into the new frontier of prostate cancer treatment. Aquabeam has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has launched WATER IV, a global multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial that directly compares water ablation therapy with radical prostatectomy in a head-to-head manner. Its unique near-total gland resection strategy can cover occult lesions difficult to detect via MRI while preserving the prostatic capsule, thereby effectively controlling tumors while significantly improving patients’ postoperative quality of life. This approach holds promise for establishing a new international paradigm in minimally invasive prostate cancer therapy.The introduction of this world-class system at Beijing Mingde Hospital represents not only a significant upgrade in the hospital’s capabilities in precision surgical diagnosis and treatment but also a solemn commitment to being “patient-centered, enabling the public to access advanced international precision medical services close to home.”

At the launch ceremony, Dr. Guo Shubin, President of Beijing United Family Hospital (Mingde), delivered the opening address. He systematically outlined the hospital’s two core strategic directions for future development: “Precision Health Medicine” and “In-Depth Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care.” He emphasized the hospital’s transition from traditional disease treatment to preventive healthcare, incorporating chronic conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia into its wellness and therapeutic services to achieve genuine health management. Under this strategic framework, Mingde is constructing a three-tier clinical care system: routine medical services led by specialist physicians form the foundation; artificial intelligence technology is integrated to break down professional barriers; and top domestic and international experts are engaged for final decision-making and contracted consultations. Dr. Guo specifically pointed out that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not merely a disease but also a health condition associated with aging. As the first flagship project implementing this new strategy, the water-jet robotic system will serve as a demonstrative model, driving the adoption of more innovative technologies at Mingde. He stressed that while equipment serves as a tool, talent is the key. Leveraging the water-jet robotic project, the hospital aims to cultivate a team of professionals proficient in cutting-edge technologies, advancing overall surgical capabilities from “minimally invasive” to “intelligent and precise,” thereby enabling patients to access world-class minimally invasive treatments locally.

Ms. Qu Zhi, CEO of Partel Medical, delivered a speech as the corporate representative. She began by expressing her sincere gratitude for Beijing United Family Hospital’s trust and collaboration, stating that it was a great honor to partner with a high-quality medical institution like United Family Hospital, and she looked forward to establishing a long-term, stable strategic partnership in the future. Ms. Qu introduced that since its founding in 2002, Partel Medical has been deeply engaged in the field of minimally invasive surgery for 24 years. As a specialized manufacturer centered on surgical staplers, the company currently offers a comprehensive product portfolio covering all scenarios in minimally invasive surgery. In the future, the company will focus on exploring and deepening its presence in the field of urology, providing more innovative solutions for clinical practice. She emphasized that Partel and Beijing United Family Hospital share the same original aspiration, both committed to providing patients with higher-quality and safer treatment options and giving back to society through concrete actions. The launch of the Aquabeam waterjet robotic project today marks an important step in their joint effort to benefit patients with advanced technology.

Subsequently, Dr. Wang Jinfu from Beijing Hospital delivered a presentation titled “Sharing Frontier Knowledge of New Technologies,” providing a detailed introduction to the technological advancements and clinical advantages of the Aquabeam robotic waterjet system. Starting with the principles of high-pressure water jetting, he focused on the device’s core features, including the absence of thermal injury, precise real-time tracking, and a broad range of indications. By comparing it with traditional surgical methods, he emphasized its significant value in preserving postoperative function, reducing blood loss, and lowering the risk of complications, thereby presenting the clinical application prospects of this cutting-edge international technology to the attendees.

Dr. Zhao Qi focused on the “Latest Developments in Urological Surgical Techniques,” using accessible language to outline the current landscape of surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the therapeutic options available to patients. He introduced various treatment modalities currently employed in clinical practice, noting that each surgical approach has its distinct characteristics, while the Aquabeam robotic waterjet system offers patients a newer, minimally invasive, and safer option. Dr. Zhao particularly emphasized that clinical treatment should respect patient preferences, returning greater autonomy in treatment selection to patients. This enables them to choose the most suitable regimen based on comprehensive understanding, with emerging technologies such as Aquabeam serving as critical enablers in translating this philosophy into practice.

Following the launch ceremony, attendees witnessed the signing of a collaboration agreement between Beijing United Family Hospital and Pelton Medical. Discussions centered on topics such as the development of precision medicine and the clinical application of technologies. Representatives from various media outlets also posed questions to hospital and corporate representatives, gaining deeper insights into the implementation details and future plans for the Aquabeam robotic waterjet system.

A representative from Beijing United Family Hospital stated that, leveraging the Aquabeam robotic waterjet ablation system, the hospital will continue to advance clinical applications and academic exchanges, establish a specialized center of excellence for the precise treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and promote the nationwide adoption and localization of this technology. This initiative aims to enable more patients to access internationally advanced, precision medical services locally, thereby safeguarding public health through technological innovation.