CHIVA Achieves the Lowest Recurrence Rate Compared to Other Treatments for Varicose Veins

 

Attending the 2024 American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS) conference in Chicago was an enriching and transformative experience. As a representative of Dr. Smile Medical Group, it was a privilege to present our work with CHIVA, share insights from our journey in China and Africa, and engage in meaningful discussions with global vascular experts. But beyond just presenting data and experiences, this event offered a new perspective on how CHIVA can reshape varicose vein treatment globally — especially in regions like the U.S. where the medical landscape is shifting toward more patient-centered care.

Key Takeaways from the AVLS Conference

One of the most significant observations from the conference was the growing curiosity among American physicians about CHIVA. The feedback we received highlighted a shift in attitude. There’s a realization that the traditional vein-stripping approach — which focuses on removing or ablating veins — may not always be the best solution. More doctors are starting to appreciate the concept of preserving venous function, which is the core philosophy of CHIVA.

Interestingly, the questions from colleagues weren’t just about the technicalities of the procedure. Many were curious about how CHIVA achieves long-term outcomes without the need for vein destruction. This reflects an important shift — from treating varicose veins as a simple mechanical issue to addressing them as a dynamic, hemodynamic problem that requires thoughtful strategies.

Our work in Africa also resonated with the audience. In places like Ethiopia, where artificial grafts and stents are unavailable, preserving the great saphenous vein (GSV) isn’t just about patient comfort — it can be life-saving. The success of our first overseas vein center in Ethiopia sparked a lot of interest, particularly around how CHIVA can be adapted to low-resource settings. It was inspiring to hear that several physicians expressed their support for our efforts and hoped to see the expansion of CHIVA training in Africa.

Why CHIVA Matters Now More Than Ever

One takeaway from the AVLS discussions is clear: the world is ready for CHIVA, but there are challenges ahead.

1. Overcoming Resistance to Change: Traditional ablation methods, such as laser and radio frequency treatments, have become the norm. Introducing a vein-sparing strategy like CHIVA means challenging established treatment paradigms.
2. Patient Expectations: Many patients expect fast, immediate results. While CHIVA offers long-term benefits, it requires managing expectations around recovery and possible staged treatments.
3. Insurance Coverage Issues: The dominance of mainstream treatments means that insurance companies may hesitate to cover newer approaches like CHIVA, making accessibility a challenge.

Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that CHIVA has the potential to transform the future of varicose vein care. Its minimally invasive approach, combined with the ability to preserve venous structures, aligns perfectly with the growing global trend toward more patient-centric, less disruptive care.

The Path Forward: Global CHIVA Training and Collaboration

The future of CHIVA depends heavily on training more doctors to perform the procedure effectively. This was a recurring topic at the AVLS conference — many colleagues expressed eagerness to learn CHIVA but highlighted the lack of standardized training programs.
To address this, we are actively developing the Global CHIVA Program in partnership with Inteleos, which will offer both online courses and in-person training sessions. Our goal is to establish CHIVA training centers in the U.S. and beyond, ensuring that doctors worldwide have access to comprehensive, hands-on education.

What stood out to me at the AVLS conference is that CHIVA’s philosophy resonates with many doctors: the idea that “less is more” and that sometimes the best treatment is the one that preserves what’s already there. I believe this shift in mindset will accelerate as more physicians experience the long-term benefits of CHIVA firsthand.

A Vision for the Future

My experience at the AVLS conference confirmed one thing: CHIVA is not just a technique — it’s a movement. It’s about changing the way we think about treating varicose veins, moving beyond vein removal to vein preservation. It’s about creating new possibilities for patients, especially in places where resources are limited.

As we move forward, collaboration will be key. We need doctors, academic institutions, and industry leaders to join hands in making CHIVA a global standard. With the right partnerships and training programs in place, I am confident that we can achieve this vision.

In the end, the 2024 AVLS conference was not just an opportunity to share what we’ve accomplished but also a reminder of how much more there is to do. The enthusiasm and support from the international community have strengthened our resolve to keep pushing the boundaries. I look forward to seeing CHIVA take root not just in China and Africa, but all over the world — bringing better outcomes and quality of life to more patients, wherever they are.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to continuing this journey together.