The Decision Framework
For coronary artery disease, the choice between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI with stents) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) depends on three factors: number and location of blockages, left ventricular function, and diabetes status. Our partner cardiologists will not pressure you toward either — they'll explain the SYNTAX score and let outcomes data guide the decision.
PCI with Drug-Eluting Stents
Best for: Single or two-vessel disease without left main involvement, preserved LV function.
- Procedure time: 60–120 min, mostly under conscious sedation
- Hospital stay: 2–3 days
- Recovery to normal activity: 1–2 weeks
- Cost (1–2 stents): ¥45,000–80,000 (USD 6,300–11,200)
Off-Pump CABG (Beating-Heart Surgery)
Best for: Three-vessel disease, left main disease, diabetes with multivessel disease, reduced ejection fraction.
- Procedure time: 4–6 hours
- ICU stay: 1–2 days
- Total hospital stay: 7–10 days
- Recovery to normal activity: 8–12 weeks
- Cost: ¥150,000–280,000 (USD 21,000–39,000)
Hybrid Revascularization
For select patients with left anterior descending disease + non-LAD blockages, a hybrid approach combines minimally invasive LIMA-to-LAD bypass with PCI for the other vessels. Lower morbidity than full CABG.
What to Compare With Home-Country Quotes
| Procedure | USA | Western Europe | China (top centers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCI (2 stents) | $28,000–55,000 | €18,000–32,000 | $6,300–11,200 |
| CABG | $70,000–200,000 | €45,000–90,000 | $21,000–39,000 |
Outcomes Data You Should Request
- Center's annual case volume (look for 1,000+ PCIs and 500+ CABGs annually)
- 30-day mortality rate (top centers: under 1.5%)
- Stroke rate
- 1-year and 5-year survival
SSAnkang publishes anonymized outcomes data for all partner cardiac centers — request the report.
Logistics
For PCI, plan a 7-day China stay (2 day pre-procedure, procedure day, 2-day recovery + follow-up). For CABG, plan 21–28 days. Companion travel is strongly recommended for CABG. Medical escort is included for both consents and ICU communication.
