Sino-German Collaboration: Dr. Sven Seifert's Team Visits Peking University International Hospital for Aortic Summit

Last week, Dr. Sven Seifert, Director of the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Chemnitz Hospital in Germany, along with his team, visited Peking University International Hospital (PKUIH). The visit aimed to strengthen international medical ties and advance the treatment of aortic diseases. During their time at PKUIH, the delegation joined Dr. Li Xuan’s team from the Interventional Vascular Surgery Department for in-depth academic discussions and observed advanced techniques in complex endovascular and surgical aortic procedures.

Dr. Sven Seifert and his team arrive from Germany and are greeted at Peking University International Hospital

From left to right: Dr. Li Xuan, Dr. Sven Seifert, and Dr. Zhao Peng

During the visit, Dr. Zhao Peng, a key member of Dr. Li Xuan’s team, successfully performed a complex in situ fenestration (ISF) procedure to treat a thoracic aortic aneurysm. An ISF procedure involves releasing the main body of the stent graft and puncturing the membrane to reconstruct branch vessels, and is advantageous in avoiding the risks of bypass surgery. The surgery achieved excellent results, highlighting the hospital’s expertise in minimally invasive interventions for complex aortic conditions. The German medical team highly commended the outcome.

Dr. Zhao Peng showing the surgical procedure for the reconstruction of the left subclavian artery (LSA)

Dr. Zhao Peng and Dr. Sven Seifert holding a preoperative discussion

Dr. Zhao Peng demonstrating the stent to be used during the TEVAR procedure

Dr. Sven Seifert and his team join with PKUIH’s Dr. Li Xuan and Dr. Zhao Peng before entering the Operating Room

Following the procedure, the two teams held in-depth academic discussions. Dr. Sven Seifert presented on his center’s experience treating complex aortic diseases, while Dr. Zhao Peng shared insights into aortic fenestration techniques. They also conducted a joint ward round to review challenging cases, including thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA)—which involve both the chest and abdominal sections of the aorta—and aortic dissections, a serious condition where a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall allows blood to flow between the layers, forcing them apart. Together, they developed treatment plans for these complex cases. Pragmatic discussions between parties generated new ideas and laid the groundwork for future clinical and research collaboration.

Preoperative angiography reveals aneurysmal dilation of the thoracic aorta

Post-TEVAR angiography showed satisfactory aneurysm isolation and patency of the LSA

This visit created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange between Chinese and European vascular surgery experts. It demonstrated PKUIH’s advanced capabilities in complex aortic interventions while fostering a two-way exchange of innovative concepts and techniques. The Interventional Vascular Surgery Department maintains ongoing partnerships with leading institutions such as Stanford Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and top European medical centers. Through an open and collaborative approach, the department continues to expand international exchanges, introduce best practices, and share high-quality outcomes—ultimately working to deliver superior medical technology and services to protect patient health.

Dr. Sven Seifert is a renowned authority in aortic disease treatment in Europe. As Head of the Clinic of Thoracic, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Chemnitz Hospital, he has decades of experience in treating thoracic aortic diseases, complex aortic aneurysms, and aortic dissections, with a particular focus on minimally invasive endovascular therapies. He possesses extensive expertise in managing aortic arch pathologies, ISF procedures, branched stent-graft reconstruction, and complex hybrid procedures, placing him at the forefront of clinical practice and innovation in Europe. He holds significant influence in the international vascular surgery community.

Peking University International Hospital’s Interventional Vascular Surgery Department specializes in both minimally invasive endovascular and open surgical treatments for vascular diseases throughout the body. The department's clinical scope includes aortic dissections, thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism, varicose veins, and portal hypertension. Renowned for its expertise in complex minimally invasive aortic interventions, the department routinely performs advanced techniques such as endovascular aortic repair, various branch reconstruction methods, and hybrid procedures. With clinical outcomes and safety profiles comparable to international standards, the department provides precise, efficient, and minimally invasive care for patients with vascular diseases.

Interventional Vascular Surgery Department
Led by Professor Li Xuan, a prominent interventional vascular surgery expert, backbones of the departments are all masters or above, graduated from Peking University Medical Department, Xiangya Medical College and other well-known institutions.

The Interventional Vascular Surgery Department focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, hemorrhagic emergencies, and portal hypertension. It also specializes in the interventional treatment of benign and malignant tumors and the establishment and maintenance of venous access routes.

Dr. ZHAO Peng
Attending Physician

Professional Summary

Dr. ZHAO Peng is an experienced Attending Physician in the Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery. Since joining Peking University International Hospital in August 2016, he has developed a specialized focus on the minimally invasive treatment of vascular conditions. He is recognized as one of the early pioneers in China to establish a dedicated varicose vein clinic and to perform ambulatory (no-hospitalization) procedures for this condition. Dr. ZHAO has personally performed nearly a thousand minimally invasive varicose vein surgeries, including individualized approaches such as CHIVA and radiofrequency ablation. His clinical practice spans the full spectrum of interventional vascular treatments, including peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism, and complex arterial conditions.

Areas of Expertise

• Minimally invasive treatment for lower extremity varicose veins: One of the first physicians in China to establish a dedicated varicose vein clinic and perform ambulatory (no-hospitalization) surgeries. Has performed nearly a thousand procedures, including individualized approaches such as CHIVA (conservative hemodynamic correction of venous insufficiency) and radiofrequency ablation.
• Endovascular treatment for peripheral artery stenosis or occlusion: Including the renal, iliac, lower extremity, subclavian, carotid, and vertebral arteries, utilizing atherectomy, balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, and pharmacotherapy.
• Minimally invasive thrombectomy and comprehensive management for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Interventional surgical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, visceral arterial aneurysms, and pseudoaneurysms.
• Treatment of complications associated with port implantation and PICC placement.
• Interventional treatment for vascular malformations and tumors.

Academic and Professional Positions

• Member, Venous Reflux Disease Group, Chinese Society of Microcirculation
• Member, Chinese Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation Alliance
• Member, Vascular Surgery Committee, Chinese Non-Government Medical Institutions Association