Professor Zheng Xuan (middle) performs surgery for a German man using a Chinese-developed biodegradable heart occluder.

Professor Zheng Xuan from Wuhan University’s Zhongnan Hospital presented a Chinese-developed biodegradable heart occluder at the CSI Frankfurt 2026 conference, held in Germany from June 3 to 6.

Zheng, collaborating with Professor Horst Sievert, director of the CardioVascular Center Frankfurt and widely regarded as the father of structural heart disease, performed a live-streamed surgery using the novel device on a patient with metal allergies.

The patient, a 54-year-old German man, had suffered an unexplained stroke that was later attributed to a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Traditional metal occluders were not an option due to his severe metal allergies, leaving his treatment at an impasse.

After thorough evaluation, Sievert opted for the Chinese-developed preloaded, biodegradable PFO occluder.

The surgery was completed in just 30 minutes under local anesthesia, with the patient remaining conscious throughout the procedure. Guided by both radiography and transesophageal echocardiography, the operation mirrored the process used in China.

International experts also discussed the occluder's material degradation cycle, structural design, and operational specifics. Sievert praised the device, highlighting its unique structural design and ease of use, which address several limitations of traditional devices.

This occluder is the world’s first preloaded, biodegradable PFO occluder. Zheng noted that the device overcomes challenges associated with current biodegradable occluders, such as poor self-forming capability, limited visibility under radiography, and complex surgical handling.

Established in 1996, CSI Frankfurt features live surgery broadcasts that emphasize real cases, real challenges, and real discussions, serving as a crucial platform for practitioners worldwide to learn about cutting-edge technologies.