Exploring Veins and Venice: Insights from the 2025 Vein in Venice Conference

In mid-April 2025, I took a long-awaited leave to participate in one of the most important events of the year: delivering a presentation at the Vein in Venice conference in Italy.

“Vein in Venice” is an international conference dedicated to venous diseases, minimally invasive therapies, and imaging technologies.

It is typically held biennially in Venice and brings together vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, venous specialists, and researchers from around the world.

Organized by the Italian Society of Phlebology and Vascular Surgery (SIFCS), it stands as one of the premier events in the European phlebology field.

Key Highlights of Vein in Venice Conference

Focused Topics

Unlike other vascular or surgical conferences, which cover veins as a minor sub-topic, Vein in Venice exclusively focuses on venous and some lymphatic diseases, enabling deeper and more concentrated discussions.

Trending Themes

Chronic venous disease (CVD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), and emerging imaging technologies like MRI, IVUS, and 3D reconstructions.

Multidisciplinary Exchange

Experts from vascular surgery, imaging, dermatology, and hemodynamics contribute to a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Cutting-Edge Innovation

Showcased novel technologies such as glue occlusion, steam ablation, mechanochemical ablation (MOCA), catheter-directed therapy, and advanced diagnostics.

Live Surgeries and Seminars

Real-time demonstrations and interactive discussions added significant clinical value.

Academic & Networking Platform

The event serves as a vital bridge for Asia-Pacific experts to connect with the European academic community.

Recent Trends at Vein in Venice

• Time-resolved MRA and 2D/4D flow MRI for venous function imaging
• Pelvic venous compression syndromes (e.g., May-Thurner, Nutcracker syndrome)
• AI-driven venous disease analysis
• Establishing comprehensive vein centers and interdepartmental collaboration

My Presentation and Research Focus

The conference featured 9 specialized workshops and multiple keynote sessions. I was honored to be invited to speak on the second day, covering:

• Management and assessment of CVD
• Treatment of the great and small saphenous veins
• Recurrent Varicose Veins and perforator vein treatments
• Diagnosis and endovascular treatment of PCS
• Aesthetic phlebology
• Establishment and management of dedicated vein centers
• Scientific writing and publication techniques
• Advanced imaging (DUS, MRI) in venous diagnostics
• Minimally invasive and non-thermal treatment approaches: EVLA, glue occlusion, MOCA, etc.

My focus was on pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), an area where our team at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, has accumulated extensive clinical experience.

I was invited by the renowned Professor Mark Whiteley from the UK. Below are two key projects I shared:

2D Phase-Contrast MRI in PCS Analysis

In 2024, we published an observational cohort study in the International Journal of Surgery, exploring the use of 2D phase-contrast MRI in analyzing PCS.

The technique proved effective in evaluating venous hemodynamics, offering new perspectives for PCS diagnosis. My presentation highlighted how our team has been developing this method since 2017.

Non-Contrast Whole-Vein MRI Imaging

We developed a novel, non-toxic, contrast-free venous MRI technique. It safely and accurately assesses pelvic venous flow, helping tailor personalized treatment plans and evaluate post-treatment recovery.

This innovation earned Taiwan's 21st National Innovation Award and a US patent.

Learning from Global Experts in this section

The conference featured a diverse range of experts, each contributing unique insights:

Dr. Jaworkucka-Kaczorowska (Germany)

A female specialist in vulvar and pelvic varicosities, shared practical techniques using ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy from a "bottom-up" approach. Her presentation emphasized the importance of positioning and patient privacy — insights rarely found elsewhere.

Dr. Loffroy (France)

A cardiologist, demonstrated a novel approach to embolizing the right gonadal vein from the left side, using lateral access.

Dr. Arnoldussen (Netherlands)

Discussed contrast-enhanced MRI for PCS. Interestingly, he cited our 2023 publication on venous obstruction and shared that he had previously attempted a similar approach years ago.

Dr. Pankhania (UK)

Presented on male venous disorders, highlighting how a single vein clinic sees more PCS cases than all of Taiwan currently does. However, research on male venous disease is still in its infancy worldwide.

The event also encouraged audience participation, with extended Q&A sessions. For someone not accustomed to attending European conferences, this was both a challenge and a rewarding opportunity.

Bringing Ideas Home: Reflections and Inspiration

This experience gave me much to think about beyond academic exchange:

1. The need for private, well-equipped clinic spaces for vein assessment and treatment.
2. Investing in high-resolution ultrasound systems.
3. Acquiring key venous surgical instruments.
4. Rethinking surgical preparation workflows.

A City of Canals and Innovation

It took quite a journey to finally arrive at the legendary floating city—Venice (Venezia St. Lucia). I stayed a few extra days to explore.

Historically, Venetians fled to the marshes to avoid invasions and built their beautiful city atop wooden stakes in the lagoon. Much like the Vein in Venice conference itself, the city is filled with hidden ingenuity and layered complexity.

Even now, amidst the post-trip busyness, I often find myself reminiscing on the inspiration, friendships, and discoveries that came from both the conference and the city.