Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology is headquartered in Liangjiang New Area. [Photo provided to English.liangjiang.gov.cn]

A high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) machine made by Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology was recently shipped to Columbia, providing an alternative solution for cancer patients. The locally-nurtured company is recognized as a global pioneer in the field of ultrasound therapy and has served 30 countries and regions worldwide since 1997, when the company developed the first Chinese HIFU system with complete intellectual property rights.

HIFU is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses ultrasonic waves to heat or ablate tissue, and thus treats certain conditions, such as malignant tumors and benign uterine fibroids. HIFU therapy is believed to carry a lower risk and require less recovery time than traditional surgery.

Locally-nurtured and establishing a global presence

"Traditional surgery dates back over 200 years. Now the medical field is witnessing a transition towards minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments. HIFU is a game changer, and we aim to have more patients benefit from this technology by expanding our global footprint," said Jiang Gang, general manager of Haifu.

Haifu started its global market expansion in 2002, when its therapeutic system was recognized as potentially five years ahead of the rest of the world by David Cranston, an Associate Professor of Surgery of the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences at the University of Oxford.

"Oxford had the first Chinese Haifu machine in the western world, and we carried out trials on liver and kidney cancer and were able to CE mark the machine, which is now available extensively across Europe," according to David.

The machine is now used for treatment and ongoing trials of certain conditions. "We remain very impressed with the chundering Haifu system and looking forward to its upgrade. We hope to continue to carry out trials in Oxford, which will be accepted by the western world," David said.

The global market is expanding, with more market players becoming increasingly competitive over the years. A MarketWatch report indicated the global HIFU market size to reach $ 670.3 million by the end of 2027, up from $289.1 million in 2020.

In 2021, there were 59 focused ultrasound manufacturers with full-scale commercialization and 895 focused ultrasound commercial treatment sites worldwide, according to the 2022 State of The Field FUS released by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation (FUF). Haifu machines have been installed at more than 60 treatment sites in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, and have treated over 210 thousand patients in total.

Never cease to elevate the industry

A piece of HIFU equipment generally consists of a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer that delivers the therapeutic ultrasound beam and an imaging modality that provides real-time images. "The transducer is like a lancet and the imaging component, a doctor's eyes. We have over 400 patents to make the lancet and eyes sharper. In 1999, it would take four to eight hours to complete a HIFU surgery, now it only takes 40 minutes to 1.5 hours," said Jiang.

In 2021, the number of clinical indications or disorders in various stages of development hit 159, according to FUF. "Haifu contributed over 80 of them. We are joined by nearly 100 medical doctors, who work closely with our engineers and bring their clinical experience into technology upgrading and product design. This is why we are capable of expanding the range of HIFU applications," said Jiang.

On top of equipment development and clinical applications, Haifu has a more important role in shaping the industry. In 2004, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) recognized that the emerging industry needs to be standardized and invited Haifu to join the establishment of the first international standard for the HIFU industry.

"Standard setting is a great way to help the industry grow and for the treatment to reach more clinical practices. So far, we have helped formulate 13 standards in the HIFU field, including six international standards and the world’s first national HIFU standard," said Ye Fangwei, deputy manager of Haifu.

The company has been actively spreading the technology by training medical professionals and offering remote diagnoses as well as clinical support. "We try to elevate the industry by forming a complete industrial chain, and eventually to serve Haifu's core value of minimizing pain for patients," Ye said.