China has rapidly become a front runner in the field of minimally invasive and noninvasive medicine, leading global advancements in this field, said Esteve Picola, general manager of University Hospital Mutua Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain.

During the fifth Yangtze International Summit of Minimally Invasive and Noninvasive Medicine (ISMINIM) and the 2023 "Belt and Road" Innovation Forum on Minimally Invasive and Noninvasive Medical held in southwest China's Chongqing from July 8 to 9, over 120 overseas medical experts and more than 500 professionals specializing in minimally invasive and noninvasive medicine gathered to discuss the state-of-the-art techniques and sharing innovative ideas to collectively advance global healthcare.

The International Society of Minimally Invasive and Virtual Surgery (ISMIVS) hosted the conference, attracting nearly 100 distinguished medical experts from over 20 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Colombia, Spain, Singapore, and South Korea. 

Prominent academicians from institutions, such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), and Asia-Pacific Association for Gynecologic Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (APAGE), participated in focused discussions on minimally invasive and noninvasive medical concepts. 

The forum explored various cutting-edge technologies, including endoscopy and high-intensity focused ultrasound, across multiple disciplines such as obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, interventional radiology, and ultrasound diagnosis.

David Cranston, president of ISMIVS, expressed his excitement about the conference's significance. "This is the first big meeting. We're thrilled to see the tremendous turnout. We eagerly anticipate learning about the remarkable advancements in minimally invasive medicine from China and around the world, particularly in high-intensity focused ultrasound."

Minimally invasive and noninvasive medicine represents an advanced medical approach aligning with the evolving trend in healthcare. Encompassing various specialties such as clinical care, nursing, imaging, and laboratory medicine, this concept leverages modern medical technologies like ultrasound, radiofrequency, endoscopy, and intervention. Experts in diverse fields possess unique skills that enable them to save lives, treat diseases, and minimize patient suffering.

"The technology originated in the U.S. around the 1940s, but China has made remarkable strides and now leads the world in this field," Picola said.

"We believe that non-invasive and minimally invasive medicine and surgery will shape the near future. Attending this congress allows us to gain insights into the future and keep abreast of China's advancements," he added.

China's pioneering High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system series equipment has established 50 treatment centers in 22 countries and regions along the Belt and Road initiative, constituting one-third of the global market share for high-intensity focused ultrasound tumor treatment equipment. 

By the end of 2022, the system had provided treatment to over 240,000 patients worldwide suffering from various benign and malignant tumors. It has been exported to 30 countries and regions, and access permits have been obtained from 46 countries and regions, cementing its global impact.