During the third week of April 2024, the world’s leading professionals in the field of venous research and practice gathered in Miami for the 22nd International Vein Congress. Capitol Vein & Laser’s own Dr. Paul McNeill was in attendance to both share and gain knowledge in the rapidly advancing field. We caught up with Dr. McNeill after the conference to conduct this brief interview about his experience. The following has been edited for clarity.
Interviewer: Dr. McNeill, thank you for your time. We know you’re a busy man.
Dr. McNeill: Of course. Happy to help.
Interviewer: What is the International Vein Congress, and who typically attends the event?
Dr. McNeill: The International Vein Congress is a meeting of physicians and surgeons from around the world who have dedicated their practice to the care of patients with venous diseases, lymphatic diseases, blood clots, and other quality of life issues related to the lower extremities.
Interviewer: Can you provide an overview of the topic you presented for your speaking engagement at the conference?
Dr. McNeill: I spoke on three topics. First was a clinical investigation of patients with leg pain who appeared to have only minimal findings of venous disease. Second was on how to combine various treatments for varicose veins to create the best strategy for resolving patients’ clinical problems. The final topic was a discussion on the optimal approach to treating bulging veins on the surface of the leg, combining the removal of veins, and the injection of medicine into veins to create improvement for the patient.
Interviewer: Can you share some key insights or findings that you discussed during your presentation?
Dr. McNeill: Sure. First, patients with minimal physical findings sometimes have serious problems on the inside of the leg that can only be detected using ultrasound evaluation. Second, physicians who care for patients with venous disease should have experience and ability in the use of multiple modalities so that the strategies can be chosen for individual patients. Finally, when a menu of treatment options is offered by a physician, practicing vein care is not complete. Patients will not always be able to benefit from the most advanced approach to their problem.
Interviewer: Were there any notable trends or advancements in vein health care that you or your colleagues highlighted during the IVC?
Dr. McNeill: A review of new technology for Weir showed that significant innovation continues in our discipline. The use of new technology is taken seriously, and there is often exuberance applied to the use of something new. That is then subsequently tempered when clinical experience and research defines how to best employ the technology. To some degree, more conservative approaches to advanced venous disease is the trend.
Interviewer: What are some of the most pressing issues or challenges in the field of vein health that were addressed at the conference?
Dr. McNeill: As discussed above, the appropriate use of technology continues to be a challenging discussion. Patients seeking care should always discuss available options with the practicing physician. Progression of venous diseases can be associated with complications, and such complications can be avoided through early evaluation conducted by an experienced physician.
Interviewer: What type of impact does the IVC have on vein care?
Dr. McNeill: The IVC was the original meeting to review technology and approaches to vein care. It dates back over 20 years to the onset of technological innovation. Leaders in the field have been brought together year after year to provide education to hundreds, if not thousands, of doctors practicing in the field on an annual basis. It has an impact both at home and abroad, and continues to be held in high regard. Industry innovation has also come from this conference through the discussion of clinical challenges, as well as the review of results occurring with the use of new technology.
Interviewer: Amazing. Well that’s all the time we have. Thank you again. Can’t wait to hear about next year’s conference.
Dr. McNeill: Anytime. Looking forward to it.