South China's first Moyamoya Disease Center was inaugurated on September 17 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.
(Photo: Chen Jinxia)
Moyamoya disease is a rare, chronic and progressive cerebrovascular condition with an unclear cause. Tong Zhiyong, director of the center and deputy director of the hospital's neurosurgery department, explained that the disease gradually narrows or blocks the brain's main feeding arteries. In response, the body grows many small, fragile abnormal vessels that resemble a puff of smoke on cerebral angiography—hence the name.
(Photo: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University)
Epidemiological data show an annual incidence of 1.14 per 100,000 people. Based on Guangdong's population of 128.59 million, the province sees about 1,400 new cases each year. The disease has a bimodal age distribution, peaking at ages 5–10 and 30–40.
There is currently no effective medication for moyamoya disease, and cerebral bypass surgery is the main treatment. The center is supported by a team that meets international standards in cerebrovascular reconstruction. Director Tong has focused on cerebrovascular and spinal vascular diseases for 28 years and has performed five surgeries described by the hospital as the world's first, with an annual surgical volume ranking among the top five nationwide.
(Photo: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University)
In 2019, he performed what the hospital describes as the world's first STA-MCA-STA-ACA sequential double anastomosis, using the superficial temporal artery to revascularize both the middle cerebral artery and the anterior cerebral artery.
Tong explained that this technique uses one superficial temporal artery to build a "two-lane expressway" supplying two core vessels in a single operation. Compared with traditional single bypass, it provides broader coverage and fuller perfusion. Combined with encephalo-myo-synangiosis, it further improves blood supply.
Unlike traditional segmented care, the center adopts a patient-centered multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together neurosurgery, neurology, pediatrics, rehabilitation, anesthesiology and operating room staff.
(Photo: Chen Jinxia)
Tong shared the story of a Malaysian patient who suffered from recurring headaches and was diagnosed with moyamoya disease locally. "She searched through AI software, watched my clinical case videos on social media and chose the hospital. She was ultimately diagnosed with cerebrovascular occlusion, underwent successful bypass surgery and was discharged a week later."
The hospital offered guidance on registration and visa procedures. Using only her passport, she completed registration and admission through the hospital's app. Additionally, based on her surgery and recovery schedule, the hospital provided supporting documents so she could apply for a visa extension herself.
(Photo: Chen Jinxia)
"Since some countries cannot perform bypass surgery, we hope to bring our experience and techniques to more patients worldwide," Tong said. "We will also further optimize our procedures to provide more international patients with more convenient and effective treatment."
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
