After 1958, he worked in thoracic and cardiac surgery in Fuwai Hospital of China Academy of Medical Sciences. At that time, cardiac surgery in China was still in its infancy, and only simple surgery could be performed. The pathological anatomy, hemodynamic changes and imaging diagnosis of heart diseases had just begun. In addition to following the old experts to fight day and night in the clinical front line, Zhu Xiaodong also paid special attention to basic research and the combination of clinic and foundation. After 1962, he actively participated in the construction of cardiac catheterization room, carried out various cardiac catheterization and angiography, especially carried out left atrial puncture to study left ventricular hemodynamics under the condition of lack of medical equipment and effective X-ray protection at that time. Although the indigenous method was introduced, it was successful. At that time, the country was in economic difficulties, and Zhu Xiaodong and his colleagues were working under the condition of insufficient food. Because there is no electricity, they often have to do clinical work during the day and work in front of the fluorescent screen in the cardiac catheterization room all night until the next morning.
1966 After the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, cardiac surgery came to a standstill. At that time, Zhu Xiaodong, as the attending physician, insisted on uninterrupted heart surgery to ensure medical quality. At the same time, he also completed the teaching task of training doctors in Albania on behalf of others.
1975 was selected by the organization to study in the UK for one year. At that time, coronary artery surgery, heart valve replacement and correction of congenital heart malformation in infants were rarely carried out in China. After studying in London Children's Hospital and Leeds Hospital, Zhu Xiaodong focused on the operation of congenital heart disease in children and the development of artificial heart valves. From 65438 to 0976, the bovine pericardial biological valve was successfully developed, which was successfully applied to clinic for the first time in China, and then the technology was popularized nationwide. 1979 made an exchange at the national symposium on cardiovascular surgery (the first national conference resumed after the Cultural Revolution). The field of cardiac surgery is in urgent need of development and there is a serious shortage of talents. At that time, the country was not fully open, and it was not easy for doctors to obtain learning materials and information. Zhu Xiaodong used all his spare time to inquire about heart specimens and related books at home and abroad, and wrote in combination with his personal clinical practice in cardiac surgery. After more than five years' efforts, 1980 published a clinical book, Basic Diagram of Cardiac Surgery. This book has become one of the enlightening professional books for many cardiac surgeons in China, and it is also a reference book for cardiac surgery related majors.
1980 went to Australia to study, specializing in coronary artery surgery. At that time, only a few hospitals in China could carry out this kind of operation, the number was very limited and the effect was not satisfactory. After returning to China, Zhu Xiaodong actively carried out coronary heart disease surgery with his colleagues in Fuwai Hospital, and made efforts to assist many hospitals in China to carry out coronary artery surgery. At the same time, continue to popularize heart valve surgery. During his tenure as director of Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital and Research Institute from 65438 to 0992, he first improved the comprehensive strength of medical prevention of heart disease in this hospital, trained academic leaders, and improved the level of medical teaching and scientific research. Fuwai Hospital has narrowed the gap with the world advanced level. At the same time, vigorously cultivate technical backbones for hospitals across the country. Thus, coronary heart disease, valvular disease and congenital heart disease surgery are gradually developed in some cooperative hospitals.
From 65438 to 0996, Zhu Xiaodong was elected as the chairman of the Chinese Medical Association's Chest and Heart Surgery Branch. He actively promoted the development of this major in China and strengthened international exchanges and cooperation. For example, the establishment of contact with American Association of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and International Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (ISCTS) has contributed to the development of cardiothoracic surgery in China.