Founded in 1995, EDAN began its journey into maternal and fetal monitoring in 1998. This product line was not only the company’s first but also a testament to its origins and evolution. It symbolizes the growth of EDAN from a fledgling company to a global innovator and mirrors the development of China’s maternal and fetal monitoring industry—from humble beginnings to a position of strength. For EDAN, these monitors are more than just devices; they are a historical cornerstone, representing both the company’s earliest ambitions and its enduring commitment to advancing care in obstetrics and gynecology.
Xie Xicheng, Vice President of EDAN
A Vision Takes Root
When Vice President of R&D, Xie Xicheng, joined EDAN in 1997, the medical device market in China was largely dominated by imports. For domestic companies, innovation was more aspiration than reality. Yet, with the company’s first maternal-fetal monitor in development by 1998, EDAN was determined to change this narrative.
"Our maternal-fetal monitors are more than products; they tell the story of how we grew from imitators to innovators," Xie explained. "This product line not only marks EDAN's beginning but is also a reflection of China's journey in the field."
EDAN Xi'an Research Institute established in 2007
Left: Xia Aijun, Director of Xi'an Research Institute;
Right: Zhang Hao, Chairman & CEO of EDAN
Overcoming Challenges
EDAN’s first maternal-fetal monitor, the MFM-809, marked a pivotal moment. Developed during a time when China’s market was dominated by imported devices, this product had to compete with well-established giants like Philips and GE. Early prototypes of the MFM-809 faced clinical rejection due to inconsistent readings, forcing the team to repeatedly re-engineer its design.
MFM-809
By late 1998, persistence paid off—the MFM-809 successfully launched as China’s first domestically developed maternal-fetal monitor. For hospitals, it was a game-changer, providing a reliable and affordable alternative to imported devices. For EDAN, it signaled the start of a long journey to carve out its own identity in maternal and fetal monitoring.
This momentum continued into the 2000s. EDAN’s second-generation MFM-8000 series debuted in 2001, incorporating advanced multi-fetal monitoring capabilities. But these devices still relied on some external technologies, making it clear that full independence in innovation was necessary to lead the industry.
By 2008, EDAN launched its third-generation fetal monitor, the F6, designed entirely in-house. However, its development was far from smooth. According to Xie, creating a compact yet advanced device posed significant challenges in terms of component sourcing and algorithm optimization. The introduction of the Cadence II fetal monitor brought these challenges into sharper focus.
The Cadence II, designed as a portable fetal monitor, faced skepticism due to its ambitious goal: to deliver high-precision monitoring in a small, lightweight form factor. Its development required EDAN to tackle several engineering hurdles, including ensuring stability in wireless transmission and maintaining accuracy across varying environmental conditions. While the process took longer than expected, the resulting device set a new standard for portability and performance in fetal monitoring. It became a staple in community clinics and remote healthcare facilities, proving that advanced monitoring didn’t have to be confined to large hospitals.
Cadence II has been in service in a tertiary hospital for over 10 years and is still highly recognized by medical staff
Redefining Innovation
In 2020, EDAN introduced the F15 Series, a landmark product that redefined fetal monitoring standards. The F15 was not only a technological leap but also a validation of EDAN’s unwavering focus on solving real clinical challenges. Central to its innovation was the proprietary IQ demodulation innovation technology, which tackled long-standing issues like ‘doubling’, ‘halving,’ and maternal heart rate mismeasurement.
Beyond accuracy, the F15 integrated groundbreaking features like TOCO-MHR, CTG warnings, wireless charging, disconnection continuation, and one-button bed transfer, bringing unprecedented clinical functionality. Its contributions to improving labor monitoring earned it recognition from global experts and solidified its presence in leading hospitals across Europe, the United States, and China. In 2021, the F15 was awarded the prestigious title of National Manufacturing Single Champion Product.
F15 Series
In 2016, as the number of pregnant women surged and outpatient clinics grew overcrowded, clinical staff faced mounting pressure to handle increasing workloads. Addressing this challenge, EDAN introduced the fourth-generation maternal and fetal monitoring system, FTS-6. This innovation transformed traditional bedside monitoring by enabling centralized management of multiple pregnant women at a single workstation.
By streamlining monitoring workflows, FTS-6 significantly reduced the time spent on individual bedside inspections and allowed medical staff to focus on critical details. This leap in efficiency helped alleviate the strain on clinics, improving care delivery without additional staffing.
The Heart of EDAN’s Legacy
As EDAN approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, its maternal and fetal monitoring product line remains at the core of its legacy. From the pioneering MFM-809 to the revolutionary F15, and the breakthrough FTS-6, these devices have been more than just tools—they are the embodiment of EDAN’s mission to innovate with purpose.
“For me,” Xie reflected, “our fetal and maternal monitors represent more than technical achievements. They are a testament to our ability to overcome obstacles and create something meaningful. It’s a story of perseverance—not just for EDAN but for China’s medical device industry as a whole.”