AI-Powered Medical Devices Take Center Stage at CIIE as Multinational Firms Shift R&D Focus to China

Today's CT and MRI equipment can already cover the entire chain of cancer diagnosis and treatment solutions, including imaging diagnosis, simulation positioning, linear accelerators, and treatment software.

On November 5, the eighth China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE") officially kicked off in Shanghai. As key participants of the CIIE, medical device exhibitors showcased their capacity for continuous innovation in China. Especially against the backdrop of accelerated AI development, the medical device industry is also embracing new market opportunities.

Focus on Major Diseases such as Cardiovascular and Cancer

Today's CT and MRI equipment can already cover the entire chain of cancer diagnosis and treatment solutions, including imaging diagnosis, simulation positioning, linear accelerators, and treatment software. This makes it possible for cancer diagnosis and treatment to move towards "minimally invasive" and "non-invasive" approaches.

At the Medical Device Pavilion, Siemens Healthineers occupied an ultra-large booth spanning 1,000 square meters this year, marking the largest scale in the history of the CIIE. The exhibition showcased the latest scientific and technological achievements for major diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and cancer. For instance, a DSA angiography device with sub-millimeter spatial resolution and extremely high spectral separation performance can clearly capture previously hard-to-detect lesions within 2.5 seconds. This device also incorporates multiple AI technologies developed by local teams in China, providing precise guidance for neuro, cardiac, and oncological interventional surgeries.

To address the challenges in the cardiovascular disease field, medical device manufacturer Medtronic showcased an ultra-stiff guidewire that recently received FDA approval in the United States. This is a globally first-exhibited product, which just arrived in Shanghai on November 5th. The guidewire is used in conjunction with Medtronic's heart valve to enhance the stability, safety, and predictability of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). According to the relevant product manager at Medtronic, there are also plans to introduce this device into the Chinese market.

KARL STORZ, the German medical device and endoscope giant, officially launched the second batch of China-produced products compliant with local standards at this year's CIIE — cold light sources and insufflators. The KARL STORZ booth featured dedicated simulation units such as an outpatient cystoscopy center and a gynecological day-care hysteroscopy diagnosis and treatment center, demonstrating how minimally invasive techniques can promote the shift of complex surgeries to day procedures and help hospitals optimize resource allocation.

Accelerate Localization in ChinaAIR&D

China places high importance on the development of artificial intelligence, deeply implementing the "AI+" action plan, which provides strong momentum for the digital and intelligent development of the medical industry. Against this backdrop, the equipment showcased at the CIIE is expected to accelerate its落地 application in China.

At this year's CIIE, many medical companies have specially set up AI zones and launched AI surgical solutions. For example, Siemens Healthineers systematically showcased the cutting-edge innovations of the "Global AI Intelligence Hub," presenting AI-driven healthcare transformation: the autonomous evolution of equipment led by intelligent imaging chains, clinical precision decision-making and personalized treatment empowered by AI, as well as breakthrough advancements brought by digital twin technology.

Medtronic also announced that it will launch the first localized AI solution for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) surgery at this year's CIIE. The solution, co-developed by Medtronic in collaboration with local physicians and artificial intelligence companies, aims to establish a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment chain covering the entire process. Through this innovative model, Medtronic hopes to create a new ecosystem for intelligent therapies and provide fresh insights into the integration of AI and healthcare for the industry.

Siemens Healthineers' relevant人士 told the First Financial reporter that in the future, by integrating artificial intelligence technology, such as developing treatment solutions that combine diagnostic-grade imaging with online adaptive radiotherapy, further leveraging innovations in multimodal imaging fusion and artificial intelligence technologies will enable more precise target delineation, dose optimization, and real-time dynamic adjustments. This will also improve treatment efficiency and reduce the probability of complications in normal tissues.

Medtronic is also increasing its R&D investment in "AI + healthcare" in China and has recently launched its first digital healthcare innovation hub in China to achieve a full value chain layout. The hub will focus on developing disease management solutions based on artificial intelligence and big data, with an emphasis on cardiovascular, minimally invasive surgery, and neuroscience fields, as well as establishing a digital patient service center.