Asukang Medical Launches China's First Host-Free, Modular Ultrasonic Surgical Device; Files for IPO

Cutting and hemostasis techniques have long been regarded as pivotal to the advancement of surgery, and the advent of energy-based surgical devices marks a significant milestone in this field.

This technology has evolved from simple electrosurgical units to advanced devices such as high-frequency electrosurgical units, laser scalpels, and ultrasonic scalpels, driving surgery into a phase of precision. It enables surgeons to perform tissue dissection and other procedures with greater efficacy, thereby meeting the increasingly complex and diverse demands of surgical practice.

Among these, the ultrasonic scalpel market is one of the segments with the greatest potential for domestic substitution. According to the "China Energy-Based Surgical Instruments Report," imported brands accounted for over 70% of the domestic market share in the ultrasonic scalpel segment prior to the implementation of volume-based procurement (VBP). Against the backdrop of policies promoting domestic substitution, VBP, and Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG)-based payment, the market share of Chinese manufacturers is expected to rise rapidly. Furthermore, VBP will drive greater market concentration toward companies with stronger R&D capabilities and more effective cost control, thereby breaking the monopoly held by imported products.

According to data from VCBeat, the market size exceeded RMB 12.5 billion in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.65% from 2018 to 2021. The domestic ultrasonic scalpel market is projected to reach RMB 30.55 billion by 2025, representing a CAGR of 24.88% from 2021 to 2025.

Amid the resonance of multiple changes, the domestic energy-based surgical device market is entering a period of developmental transformation.Ansukang Medical (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Ansukang”)It was during this period that the company emerged as an innovative medical device enterprise, achieving technological breakthroughs in ultrasonic scalpel systems based on its proprietary core technology platform.

After two years of development, the company has successfully launched China’s first domestically produced split-design ultrasonic scalpel without a main console.

Ansukang's New Generation Console-Free Ultrasonic Scalpel Device

Zhang Tao, the current Chairman of Ansukang Medical, formerly served as Director of Product Management for the Asia-Pacific Region and Director of Operational Development for China at Johnson & Johnson.

During his tenure in the United States, Zhang Tao witnessed firsthand the innovation in medical device technology and recognized the value of medical innovation. Upon returning to China, he observed that the working conditions of domestic healthcare professionals differed significantly from those abroad. Consequently, he dedicated himself to driving innovative breakthroughs in China’s medical device technology, thereby contributing to this noble cause.

In September 2021, Zhang Tao took over the next-generation console-free ultrasonic surgical system project at its most challenging stage. Leveraging his extensive industry experience, he led the team to overcome numerous obstacles, securing the Class III medical device registration certificate issued by the National Medical Products Administration in November 2022, and officially launching sales in the second quarter of 2023.

“Since the ultrasonic scalpel is an interdisciplinary product involving mechanics, electronics, and ultrasound, the R&D threshold is high, and the technology has long been monopolized by overseas giants. Leveraging its independently developed new system architecture, the Ansukang team has not only achieved breakthroughs in product design but also made significant strides to join the leading ranks of the ultrasonic scalpel industry,” said Zhang Tao.

It is reported that this product is the first domestically produced split-design, console-free ultrasonic scalpel. Since its launch, it has attracted significant attention within the industry and has undergone clinical trials in key departments of many leading hospitals across China, including Beijing Chest Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Shanghai East Hospital.

Leveraging this product and related breakthroughs in innovative technologies, the company has also been selected for the “Leading Talent” project under the 16th Science and Technology Leadership Program of Suzhou Industrial Park in 2022, and won the “Most Promising Project” Award at the 5th Medical Device Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering.

“Moderate cutting speed, strong hemostatic capability, and the ability to seal 5mm vessels. The host-free system architecture is concise and efficient, with gear adjustment and cable positioning designed in greater accordance with ergonomic principles.” Zhang Tao shared with VCBeat the department director’s evaluation of Ansukang Medical’s latest generation of host-free ultrasonic surgical devices.

It is understood that the new generation of host-free ultrasonic scalpel designed and manufactured by Ansukang Medical belongs to industrial iterative products. Compared with traditional ultrasonic scalpel design,Ansukang ultrasonic scalpel adopts a highly integrated design, integrating the traditional ultrasonic generator, transducer, handpiece, torque wrench, etc. into one unit, achieving a host-free ultrasonic scalpel system.

The breakthrough in highly integrated technology not only establishes barriers for enterprises,This also eliminates the need for hospitals to purchase ultrasonic scalpel generators separately, thereby reducing procurement costs. Meanwhile, the generator-free design saves operating room space, offers easy installation and removal, and avoids storage and maintenance costs for the generator as well as associated labor expenses.

Not only that, but based on considerations of clinical usage experience, Ansukang has furtherOptimized design addressing numerous issues associated with conventional ultrasonic scalpels, including improvements in power level adjustment, cable positioning, and a detachable blade-handpiece configuration. By highly integrating the power level control with the handpiece, single-handed operation by the surgeon is achieved.

From a product perspective, the handle integrates a display screen at the top to show system status in real time. The operator can simply press the “FUNC” button in front of the screen to cycle through and adjust the MIN setting levels. This enables the operator to independently control the entire system with one hand while maintaining a sterile environment.No longer requires nurse assistance, improving surgical efficiency.

The display screen above the handle can show the system status in real time.

Furthermore,The blade and handle of this product are fully detachable. The blade is a single-use device, which reduces the risk of cross-infection.The reusable, sterilizable handpiece significantly reduces medical waste generation, offering a more environmentally friendly solution. Optimized cable positioning prevents blade rebound, enhancing surgical safety. With this product, Ansukang Medical provides clinicians with a superior ultrasonic scalpel solution.

Detachable Blade Design

Currently, Ansukang has filed 24 patents, including 7 invention patents. Its products are widely used in departments such as general surgery, thoracic surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, urology, gynecology, and thyroid and breast surgery.To benefit more patients and physicians, Ansukang will primarily focus on facilitating product access in benchmark hospitals and Grade 3A hospitals across all provinces in China, further advancing product implementation to ensure that innovative products reach a broader patient population.

Imitation is not the only path; through Ansukang Medical, it is evident that Chinese manufacturers can also achieve innovative breakthroughs through diligent efforts.

At the end of the interview, Zhang Tao mentioned“Multinational corporations’ products undergo minimal changes in design, materials, manufacturing processes, and composition, with their cost advantages primarily derived from economies of scale. As a domestic manufacturer, we can reduce costs and enhance quality through innovative design, thereby creating superior and more competitive products. Meanwhile, Ansukang Medical hopes that, with the attention and guidance of relevant authorities, more outstanding domestic brands can accelerate commercialization, enabling doctors and patients to benefit earlier.”

References:

1. “How Can Domestic Innovative Companies Break Through in This Battlefield Dominated by Johnson & Johnson?”

2. "Report on Energy-Based Surgical Devices in China"