"Every step we take may seem random, yet it guides us to where we are meant to be."
In October 2017, I visited Europe for the first time, representing our team to exchange clinical insights on CHIVA and explore its real-world impact.
In October 2024, I returned, carrying with me China’s achievements with CHIVA and a vision for its global future.
"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward."
In 2017, I left the Chinese PLA General Hospital with a passion to explore better medical practices and joined Zhang Qiang Doctor Group. At that time, I never imagined that I would become one of the first Chinese doctors to specialize in CHIVA and hemodynamics, advocating for the idea of preserving veins in varicose vein treatment.
The First Visit: Italy, October 2017
During my first trip to Cremona, Italy, I had the privilege of working closely with the CHIVA founding team. It was an incredible opportunity to witness how CHIVA functions in the real world.
Even though the clinical work was intense—sometimes too busy to eat—there was always time for meaningful discussion and reflection. This was very different from what I was used to in China, where the high volume of surgeries often limits room for innovation. That period left a deep impression on me, showing how critical intellectual exchange can be for medical development.
Through these conversations, we found that CHIVA’s clinical value aligned with our experiences. The discussions answered many of our questions and confirmed the importance of CHIVA’s approach. As the member of Zhang Qiang Doctor Group, I saw the potential of CHIVA and the unique spirit of independent thinking that drives its founders.
Returning to Italy: October 2024
This October, I was honored to return to Italy, representing our team at the first International CHIVA Conference in Bari. This time, I carried China’s success with CHIVA and our plans for its global expansion.
Meeting Professor Franceschi and Professor Delfrate again felt familiar and heartwarming. Connecting with CHIVA practitioners from different parts of the world was equally inspiring. While our journeys were unique, we all shared the same upward trajectory. Today, CHIVA is no longer the underdog it was in 2017. Thanks to the efforts of experts worldwide, it is now a recognized treatment in the venous disease guidelines in Europe and the U.S.
Despite challenges like the long learning curve, limited training opportunities, and conflicts with traditional interests, CHIVA is already benefiting more and more patients worldwide.
During the conference, many participants were impressed by China’s progress with CHIVA. They were particularly interested in our partnership with Inteleos, a U.S.-based organization, to develop a global CHIVA training program. This structured, multi-dimensional project could help overcome many challenges in CHIVA's broader adoption.
A Road Less Traveled, But the Right One
CHIVA may not spread quickly due to its complexities, but our perseverance has given varicose vein patients the option to choose whether to preserve their veins.
"What is right is always right, even if no one does it. What is wrong remains wrong, even if everyone does it."
I am grateful to the CHIVA founders for their courage and independent thinking, even when it meant standing alone. I am also thankful for Zhang Qiang Doctor Group and for my own determination to stick to the science, even when isolated. This commitment has given patients in China more choices and provided doctors with a method that values vein preservation.
"Courage is standing up to do what is right, even when you are afraid."
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