About Our Center & Medical Team
01
Dedicated Care for International Patients
Led by Dr. Zhang Yifei, China's highest-volume surgeon for Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM),
with over 30 years of specialized experience in complex urinary control disorders.
30
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Dedicated to complex urinary control disorders and neurogenic bladder.
1,000+
SNM SURGERIES
Associate Chief Physician, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.
#1
IN SNM VOLUME IN CHINA
Leading care for neurogenic bladder.
Dr. Zhang Yifei is an Associate Chief Physician at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, where he serves as Director of the Urinary Control Unit. He also leads the Sacral Neuromodulation Clinical Demonstration Center under the National Engineering Laboratory for Neuromodulation.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Zhang has dedicated his practice to advancing neuro-urology and complex urinary control. His national leadership in neuromodulation ensures that every international patient receives care based on the highest standards of safety, innovation, and clinical excellence.
02
The Clinical Philosophy of Dr. Zhang Yifei
Dr. Zhang serves as the Project Lead for the National Engineering Laboratory for Neuromodulation-a premier national institution in China dedicated to advancing neuromodulation technology.
Under his leadership, the Sacral Neuromodulation Clinical Demonstration Center has become a national training hub, setting the standard for urological care across the country.
Many international centers treat overactive bladder, but Dr. Zhang focuses on the most challenging urological conditions-particularly neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injuries, congenital anomalies, or neurological diseases.
He doesn't work alone. He leads a multidisciplinary team (urologists, neuro-urologists, and rehabilitation specialists) to evaluate every case from all angles. This ensures patients who have been told "there is nothing more we can do" finally receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized, reversible treatment plan.
For international patients, returning to China for routine device adjustments is impractical. Dr. Zhang's center is among the first in China to offer remote programming for Sacral Neuromodulation.
This means after your procedure, we can adjust the device settings remotely from our clinic while you are at home in your country. You get world-class follow-up care without ever boarding a plane.
"I listen first, then diagnose. My patients are not just cases - they are partners in their own recovery."
Dr. Zhang is known for taking the time to explain complex medical conditions in plain language. He understands that behind every medical record is a person who has likely suffered for years. His commitment is simple: no patient should ever feel rushed, ignored, or left without options.
03
Why Choose Us
As a pioneer in remote programming, we can adjust your device settings remotely while you are back home, eliminating the need for return trips to China.
Clinical evidence confirms SNM significantly improves bladder capacity and reduces leakage in these challenging cases. If you have been told "there is nothing more we can do," we may have an answer.
No obligation. No pressure. Just a clear, informed opinion. If your records are incomplete, we can arrange a comprehensive in-person evaluation in China.
[ Learn More About Our Technology Options ]
04
Device Options
Understanding Your Device Options
All sacral neuromodulation (SNM) systems work on the same principle: delivering mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves to restore bladder and bowel control. The key differences lie in the implantable pulse generator (IPG) - specifically, battery life, device size, stimulation parameters, and maintenance requirements.
|
 PINS G132 (Basic) |
 PINS G131 (Extended) |
 PINS G134R (Rechargeable) |
|
| Battery Type | Non-Rechargeable | Non-Rechargeable | Rechargeable | |
| Battery Life | 6–8 years | 8–11 years | 20+ years | |
| Weight | 25 g | 35 g | 36 g | |
| Volume | Smallest | Medium | Medium | |
| Capacity | 1850 mAh | 2500 mAh | N/A | |
| Stimulation Parameters | 0–10 V / 0–25 mA | Same as G132, stable output | 0–10 V / 0–25 mA | |
| Charging / Maintenance | No routine care | No routine care | Wireless, once every 2–3 months | |
| MRI Compatibility | 1.5T & 3.0T | 1.5T & 3.0T | 1.5T & 3.0T | |
| Best Suited For | Elderly, children, thin patients, budget-conscious, lower stimulation needs. | Middle-aged, long-term use, high stimulation needs. | Young patients, refractory OAB, neurogenic bladder, chronic pelvic pain. |
Why We Choose PINS Medical for Our Patients
Clinically Proven & Widely Used in China
Many international patients are familiar with Medtronic InterStim. If you choose our center, your procedure will use a PINS Medical system - the most widely used SNM platform in China, developed in partnership with Tsinghua University. This is not a compromise; it is a deliberate clinical choice.
Superior Battery Life in the Non-Rechargeable Category
The PINS G132 offers 6–8 years of battery life (vs. ~5–6 years for standard InterStim II), and the PINS G131 extends this to 8–11 years. For patients avoiding rechargeable devices, this means fewer replacement surgeries.
A Rechargeable Option With 20+ Year Lifespan
The PINS G134R offers a 20+ year lifespan, requiring wireless charging only once every 2–3 months - not weekly. This dramatically reduces repeat surgeries for younger patients or those needing long-term high-intensity stimulation.
Remote Programming - A Critical Advantage for International Patients
This is the most important difference. PINS devices support remote programming, meaning our team can adjust your device settings remotely after you return home. Medtronic InterStim currently does not offer this capability. You will never need to fly back to China for routine adjustments.
What This Means for You
Multiple protection devices,can ensure the safety of the sample,more effective protection of equipment components overloaded operation,greatly reducing the incidence of equipment failure,so that the operation of the equipment more stable and reliable.We stand for using natural energy resources,which are solar and wind energy. It' really ensures all people's needs in electricity. It's very affordable and easy to use,so every person can make its impact to planet saving.
Precautions for use
The device is not the limitation. The remote follow-up capability is the advantage.
[ Learn How to Get Started ↓ ]
05
International Patient Services
1. Remote Medical Record Review
Send us your imaging, urodynamic studies, and physician notes. Our team will conduct a preliminary remote assessment to determine if you are a suitable candidate for treatment.
2. English-Speaking Medical Team
Communicate directly with our medical staff without language barriers. We ensure every consultation, treatment explanation, and care instruction is clear and understandable.
3. Remote Programming & Follow-Up
Our center is a pioneer in remote programming. After you return home, our team can still adjust your device settings remotely. You get world-class follow-up care without boarding a plane again.
4. Continuous Support
We remain your medical partners long after you leave China. Whether you have questions about your recovery or need annual check-ins, our team is just one message away.
Disclaimer: Remote medical assessments are based on the records provided and do not replace an in-person diagnosis.Individual treatment plans and results vary.
[ Start Your Journey: Send Your Medical Records ]
06
Certifications & Academic Authority
Dr. Zhang's practice is built on a foundation of rigorous academic research, national recognition, and a commitment to advancing neuro-urology care.
National Engineering Laboratory for Neuromodulation
Dr. Zhang serves as the Project Lead for the Sacral Neuromodulation Clinical Demonstration Center under this national institution. This means your treatment protocols are based on the highest national standards of safety and innovation in neuromodulation.
Pioneer in Remote Programming
Our center is among the first in China to offer remote programming for SNM patients. As the Project Lead, Dr. Zhang ensures international patients can receive precise parameter adjustments from their home country, eliminating the need for travel.
Director of Urodynamics & Urinary Control Unit
Dr. Zhang leads the clinical team at The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. This ensures that every patient receives a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and an individualized treatment plan built on accurate data.
National Training Hub for SNM
Our center functions as a national training hub, setting the clinical standard for Sacral Neuromodulation across the country. Over 1,000 procedures performed by Dr. Zhang ensure that your surgery is in highly experienced hands.
Take Back Control of Your Life
You don't have to live in pain or uncertainty. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or ready to explore treatment options, our team is here to help.
No Obligation - A second opinion is completely free and comes with zero pressure.
Confidential & Secure - Your medical records are protected under strict confidentiality policies.
24-Hour Response - Our international patient team typically replies within one business day.
Multidisciplinary Review - Your case is evaluated by a team of urology and neuro-urology experts.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Remote assessments are based on the records provided and do not replace an in-person diagnosis. Individual treatment plans and results vary.
Dr. Zhang Yifei
His sub-specialties focus on urinary control, neuro-urology and pelvic floor disorders, with particular expertise in the following techniques: Prostate Disease TreatmentProficient in laser prostate surgery and prostate enucleation, he has innovatively proposed the "Three-Lobe Eight-Step" technique for en-bloc vaporization enucleation of the prostate, characterized by short operation time, minimal blood loss and rapid postoperative recovery. Urinary Incontinence & Voiding DysfunctionSpecialized in treating various forms of urinary incontinence (such as stress urinary incontinence), intractable frequent urination, and neurogenic bladder (voiding dysfunction caused by neurological injury). Minimally Invasive & Reconstructive SurgerySkilled in laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery and sacral neuromodulation (an advanced therapy for voiding and defecation disorders). He also has extensive experience in complex urethral strictures and the correction of congenital urinary tract malformations.
Conditions We Treat with Sacral Neuromodulation
Sacral neuromodulation is clinically proven to help manage:
Overactive bladder (OAB)
Urge urinary incontinence
Frequency-urgency syndrome
Non-obstructive urinary retention
Neurogenic bladder
Fecal incontinence
Refractory constipation
Interstitial cystitis (IC)
Chronic pelvic pain