CEC 15th Anniversary | Professor Fu Weiguo: 15-Year Progress and Future Prospects of Aortic Dissection

The CEC Congress has traversed 15 years since its inaugural edition in 2008. As planners, promoters, and witnesses of this esteemed event, we have borne witness to the rapid advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases in China over the past decade, as well as the thriving growth of the CEC Congress. In this keynote lecture, we will embark on a journey through the evolution of aortic dissection diagnosis and treatment in China, reviewing past research achievements, clinical experiences, and innovative developments in this field, while sharing our visions for the next 15 years.

Firstly, we will provide an overview of the global and domestic levels of aortic dissection diagnosis and treatment prior to the inception of CEC. It is well-known that the advent of minimally invasive endovascular treatment for aortic dissection in China was nearly concurrent with international developments. Under the guidance of seasoned vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists, the field of endovascular stent repair for aortic dissection underwent rapid progress. We will delve into the research advancements in this nascent yet burgeoning era, both domestically and internationally.

Secondly, we will shine a spotlight on the swift advancements in minimally invasive treatment and diagnostic capabilities for aortic dissection following the establishment of CEC. With continuous innovations in endovascular devices and rapid advancements in minimally invasive techniques, experts worldwide have innovatively introduced various novel techniques and instruments aimed at expanding proximal anchoring zones, reconstructing branch arteries, and mitigating stent-related complications. These endeavors have accumulated invaluable experience and laid a solid foundation for precise aortic dissection treatment. Concurrently, new classification systems tailored to endovascular treatment have emerged to cater to the evolving needs of the field.

Lastly, we will zero in on current clinical novelties applied in aortic dissection diagnosis and treatment, along with a glimpse into the future. A mere 15 years ago, the aortic arch was deemed a no-go zone for minimally invasive endovascular interventions. Today, advanced techniques such as branch reconstruction, branched stents, and fenestrated stents have been successfully employed in treating aortic arch and visceral diseases, yielding promising short- to mid-term outcomes. However, numerous questions remain worthy of contemplation. We will delve into individualized and precise treatment strategies for aortic dissection, as well as the anticipated trajectory of future endovascular aortic technologies.

We cordially invite you to attend the "CEC-15th Anniversary Special Edition" Academic Forum and the 2023 Annual Academic Meeting of the Vascular Surgery Branch of the Cross-Strait Medicine and Health Exchange Association, which will be held online from November 3 to 4, 2023. We eagerly anticipate sharing with you the remarkable journey of CEC's 15-year growth, delving into its research advancements over the past decade, and jointly envisioning the direction of development for the next 15 years.

Professor Fu Weiguo

Deputy Director of National Clinical Research Center for Radiotherapy and Oncology

Director of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University

Director of Institute of Vascular Surgery, Fudan University

Professor (Grade II), PhD Supervisor