The Egyptian African Vein and Lymphatic Association (EAVLA) recently organized the first edition of the International Vein Congress in Cairo, which brought together international experts and surgeons from 15 different countries. The conference focused on modern medical techniques for the treatment of vein and lymphatic diseases, including conservative treatments, catheter interventions, and surgical treatment methods.
According to Rashad Bishara, President of EAVLA, about 50% of Egyptians suffer from different types of varicose veins, while other venous diseases such as definitive reflux and venous thromboembolism also affect a significant part of the population. However, the science of varicose veins has developed a lot, with advanced techniques such as invasive treatment, thermal and non-thermal ablation, injection sclerotherapy and CLACS techniques.
Ahmed Gaweesh, Vice President of EAVLA highlighted the important technological advances in vein science and interventions, particularly in the treatment of venous thrombosis. He discussed modern technologies such as pharmacologic catheter ablation, suction and catheter interventions for varicose veins, as well as the use of injectable laser surface therapy (CLACS) for the aesthetic treatment of varicose veins.
The conference also covered new technologies for stent placement, chronic venous ulcers and modern treatment methods. A research competition was held on modern methods of treating venous diseases.
According to Alun Davies, a world expert in the management of venous disease and Professor of Vascular Surgery and Clinical Director at Imperial College London, when the population is large, there are more people with venous disease. There are many simple treatments currently available, such as lasers and radiofrequency for treating veins. Davies emphasized the importance of an aggressive approach to treating people with venous disease earlier in order to avoid pain, complications and high recurrence rates, as well as effectively treating venous leg ulcers.
Davies also emphasized that the management of venous disease is highly dependent on the availability of affordable treatments such as foam sclerotherapy. However, medical glue, which is a non-thermal technique, is very expensive in the case of treating a large population such as Egypt. He also pointed out that the vein disease field is constantly on the lookout for new medical techniques to facilitate treatment and prevent high recurrence rates, emphasizing the importance of ultrasound-guided treatments.
Wassila Taha, Secretary General of EAVLA, noted the success of the conference in organizing the first simulation workshop on deep vein stenting, which aimed to provide young doctors with hands-on training in stenting patients. The foundation also adopts projects to help patients with venous ulcers by entering into many agreements and cooperation with other organizations and associations to alleviate financial suffering.
Sergio Gianesini, President-Elect of the International Union of Phlebology (UIP) and President of the Venous-Lymphatic World International Network (v-WIN) ONLUS, emphasized the importance of awareness and education in the field of venous and lymphatic diseases. Gianesini stated that v-WIN works with EAVLA, as one of the most important associations in the region due to its expertise, which makes it a strategic partner to reach out to the rest of African countries to raise awareness, educate and train professionals in the venous field. He also noted that v-WIN is collaborating with EAVLA to conduct medical science digital programs and exhibitions translated into multiple languages to raise awareness about vein diseases.
Zaza Lazarashvili, Medical Director and Chief of Vascular Surgery at the Chapidze Cardiovascular Center in Georgia, praised the conference for its promising vision of phlebology and its goals to expand geographic coverage and exchange experiences to address challenges in clinical research in the venous field. He also added that the conference has a promising vision for phlebology and aims to expand geographical coverage and exchange experiences to address challenges in clinical research in the field of veins. And as Egypt is currently the only African country in the UIP, it represents a focal point of access to the rest of African countries to promote the field of Phlebology.
EAVLA, a non-profit organization founded in 2019, is dedicated to advancing education and training in the field of venous and lymphatic diseases.
