This article was originally published in Western China International Communication Organization
Chongqing - The ultrasonic scalpel, crucial for minimally invasive surgery, has seen a major production shift in China. Previously reliant on imports until 2019, the sector has grown due to national policy support and the emergence of domestic companies like Miconvey in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.
According to the China Association of Medical Equipment, the Chinese medical equipment market reached 1.27 trillion yuan (about 175.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, a 10.4% increase year-on-year. Hou Yan, the association's president, noted that high-end Chinese medical equipment has surged in recent years, with a significant increase in the use of domestically produced equipment in medical and healthcare institutions, as reported by Xinhua News.
Founded in 2013, Chongqing Miconvey Technology Co., Ltd. has contributed to this growth. Specializing in minimally invasive surgical equipment, Miconvey launched Southwest China's first ultrasonic surgical system in 2017. This innovation reduced reliance on foreign technology and lowered production costs, making high-quality ultrasonic scalpels more accessible to Chinese patients.
Miconvey's technology now meets international standards, offering more than just cost advantages. In December, Chongqing recognized the K500 ultrasonic surgical system as a major technical equipment product, showcasing high-tech breakthroughs and market potential. It enables rapid tissue cutting and reliable vessel closure across various fields, including general surgery, thoracic surgery, gynecology, urology, and pediatrics.
Its innovative, intelligent tissue feedback and handle connection technologies enhance safety and convenience, filling a technological gap both domestically and internationally. In 2023, Miconvey's ultrasonic surgical system series achieved 150 million yuan in sales, ranking among the top five domestically.
Miconvey's products are gaining international recognition. They are exported to over 40 countries, including South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Italy. They have received global approvals, including CE certification in Europe and FDA approval in the U.S.
Miconvey prioritizes research and innovation, with nearly 30% of its team in R&D and over 90 authorized patents. Collaborations with Chinese hospitals and international organizations like the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) enhance its technology. In May, ELSA President Professor Mahir Ozmen visited China, engaging with Miconvey and Chongqing's hospitals.
Miconvey's latest product, the K600 UltraSurgical System, will launch in July. It features software upgrades for faster operation and precise recognition, and it improves blood vessel coagulation capabilities from 5mm to 7mm, making it an international leader.
As noted by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information, Chongqing has identified 96 major technical equipment products eligible for subsidy policies, promoting and supporting the application of such innovations.
