Industry Insights · Artificial Heart & Circulatory Support
China's maglev artificial heart: from first implant to the global high-end market
In high-end devices that rarely make headlines, Chinese technology firms are reshaping the global value chain — the artificial heart is a prime example.
From first implant to scale
China's first implantable artificial heart clinical use came in 2017; the first product won NMPA approval in 2019; after 2021's first fully domestic, self-IP maglev approval, the local field landed densely into scaled clinical implantation.
Globalization initially proven
A leading firm topped RMB 212M revenue in 2025 with over half from overseas; its core product completed over 90% of short-term enrollment in a US head-to-head trial — not just export, but entry into mainstream Western clinical evaluation.
The gap and the catch-up
In top-tier device manufacturing like artificial hearts, the China–US starting gap was once large (a US national program dates to 1964). Maglev is the recognized mainstream direction, and China's fast landing there exemplifies high-end 'domestic substitution + going global'.
The BIO angle
FAQ
Why is maglev the mainstream direction?
A maglev blood pump has no contact bearings, so less wear and blood damage and higher reliability — the recognized mainstream route.
What does 'over half revenue overseas' signal?
The product sells beyond China and is accepted abroad — a marker of Chinese high-end devices going global.
What is a 'head-to-head' trial?
Directly comparing efficacy and safety against an existing benchmark in the same trial — a high bar for mainstream Western clinical evaluation.
Related reading
- Carmat Aeson Total Artificial Heart: Design and Materials of the EU's Only Commercial TAH | BIO Insights
- Percutaneous RVAD Enters the Fast Track: the Overlooked Right Heart and a Materials Barrier | BIO Insights
- The Artificial-Heart 'First IPO' Race: Revenue Up Three Years, Yet Years of Losses | BIO Insights
Note: an original analysis compiled from public industry information; figures and conclusions per official/original sources. Not investment advice.
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