01
Origin
Looking back, the establishment of CEC (China Endovascular Congress) emerged as a response to the needs of the time.
In the 1990s, the entire field of surgery was moving towards minimally invasive techniques, and vascular surgery was no exception. The advent of minimally invasive endovascular technology brought about a revolutionary opportunity for the development of vascular surgery.
The question of how to quickly disseminate new technologies and concepts in the industry to doctors from various countries became a proposition for experts both domestically and internationally.
Internationally, conferences such as VIVA and LINC emerged, differentiating themselves from the past with novel forms of academic dissemination like live surgery broadcasts.
However, at that time, domestic vascular surgery conferences were monotonous in format, and professional training was scarce, posing significant challenges to the promotion of minimally invasive vascular techniques. The three presidents of CEC deeply felt that China also needed to develop a good platform and initiate new conference content to accelerate the dissemination of new knowledge and ideas among Chinese vascular surgeons.
Based on this, in 2008, three major centers—Beijing Anzhen Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Chinese PLA General Hospital, and Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai—jointly initiated and established the first China Endovascular Congress (CEC).
The wheels of China's vascular surgery are beginning to roll forward...
The wheels of history roll on; the tides of the times are vast and mighty.
Over the past 15 years, what changes have taken place in CEC and Chinese vascular surgery on this long river of time? And what have been the dazzling highlights?
02
CEC's 15 Years: Staying True to Our Original Aspiration, Achieving Lasting Success
“An educational hub for junior physicians, A stepping stone for intermediate doctors' development, A prestigious podium for renowned experts' lectures, A bridge for international information exchange, and the genesis of evidence-based medical research.”
These five sentences were the slogans originally proposed by CEC, which have remained the unwavering core mission and purpose of the conference since its inception. CEC has been marching forward triumphantly on this righteous path, adhering steadfastly to its founding principles.
15-Year Data Retrospective
A 15-Year Continuous and Accurate Data Analysis.
In the 15-year development journey of CEC, data has faithfully recorded every step of its progress.
In terms of conference scale, CEC has witnessed remarkable growth from its inaugural event in 2008, which drew over 600 attendees/registrants, to 2019, when it surpassed 4,000 participants. Early on, the conference struggled to reach even 1,000 attendees, but by 2019, it had expanded to accommodate over 6,000 participants. Despite the sudden onset of the pandemic, CEC remained undeterred, transitioning seamlessly to online formats in 2021 and 2022, achieving remarkable success with 800,000 and 1.9 million clicks respectively. The pool of lecturers at CEC has also expanded significantly, from 97 domestic experts and 3 foreign experts at the first conference, to over 500 domestic experts and 41 foreign experts in 2021 and 2022, with a peak of 52 foreign experts sharing their academic insights. The conference has consistently surpassed its previous scale, marking a remarkable journey of growth and expansion.
From the perspective of international cooperation, over the past 15 years, CEC has conducted its "bring-in" and "go-out" strategies with remarkable success. It has maintained excellent relations and collaborations with international academic organizations such as VIVA, AVIA, NCVH, CX, ISEVS, ESVS, SVS, VEITH, LINC, SITE, AVF, DASy, and JSVS. Notably, CEC has sustained exceptionally close international cooperation with VEITH and LINC for five consecutive years. Additionally, CEC has actively "gone out" to participate in numerous academic exchanges hosted by international organizations like VEITH, LINC, VIVA, SVS, and CX, further strengthening its international influence and reach.
In terms of academic topics, CEC has witnessed a steadily expanding scope of coverage over the years. Topics such as aorta, brachiocephalic arteries, lower extremity arteries, veins, visceral arteries, and dialysis access have all shown an increasing trend year by year. Beyond these, various diseases related to vascular conditions have also garnered significant attention and been comprehensively addressed within the academic sessions of CEC.
Surgical demonstrations are undoubtedly one of the most prominent highlights of CEC. Since 2008, CEC has conducted numerous live and recorded surgical broadcasts, with no fewer than 21 live surgeries and over 40 recorded surgeries annually. These broadcasts have showcased the expertise and proficiency of vascular surgeons across various specialties, demonstrating the prowess of vascular surgery experts in diverse fields.
The scale of the conferences has continued to grow, international cooperation has intensified, and the academic scope has broadened significantly. As a result, the organizing entities behind CEC have also gradually expanded, with the addition of academic organizations such as the Vascular Surgery Professional Committee of the Cross-Strait Medicine and Health Exchange Association, the Vascular Medicine Professional Committee of the China Research Hospital Association, and the Beijing Bo Rui Vascular Health Public Welfare Foundation.
Over the course of 15 years, CEC has transformed from a modestly-sized conference into one of the most influential vascular surgery events nationwide and even globally. This remarkable journey serves as a testament to the innovative development and relentless efforts of China's vascular surgery industry and its practitioners, continuously measuring and showcasing their progress and achievements.
15-Year Progress Summary
Separated by a long river of time spanning 15 years, the field of vascular surgery in 2008 is vastly different from what it is today.
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Since 2008, the landscape of vascular surgery has undergone a monumental transformation, a stark contrast to where it stood merely a decade and a half ago. Back then, the focus was narrowly centered on conventional endovascular techniques for the aorta, emphasizing straightforward indications, with carotid artery interventions limited to guideline interpretations, and lower extremity arterial interventions primarily revolving around revascularization techniques and pharmacological therapies. The TASC classification even advocated open surgery as the first-line treatment for Grade III and IV lesions.
Since then, every year has marked a significant step forward, with the Chinese Endovascular Congress (CEC) and the Chinese vascular surgery community witnessing profound updates and evolutions in diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities, reshaping the knowledge base of countless vascular surgeons.
In the realm of aortic surgery, we've progressed from purely open procedures to a balance between open and endovascular therapies, culminating in the widespread exploration and application of fully endovascular solutions for aortic dissections and aneurysms. Branch reconstruction has evolved systematically and revolutionarily, transitioning from hybrid procedures to chimney, periscope techniques, followed by self-made fenestrated, branched stents, custom-made stents, and even modular branched stents.
The carotid artery landscape has shifted from a CAS-dominated era to a balance between CEA and CAS, with increasing emphasis on optimal medical therapy and the introduction of TCAR concepts, continuously refining treatment strategies.
Lower extremity arterial interventions have undergone a dramatic transformation in treatment philosophies and vessel preparation. From initial balloon angioplasty to primary stenting, and now to drug-coated balloons that leave nothing behind, the evolution has encompassed a wide range of balloon technologies, including debulking devices and specialized balloons. Stent technology has also progressed, from laser-cut bare-metal stents to covered, braided, drug-eluting, and biodegradable stents.
In venous diseases, the treatment of varicose veins has shifted from open surgery to minimally invasive procedures. Deep vein thrombosis management has evolved from anticoagulant advancements to parallel mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis. Furthermore, the advent of new-generation dedicated iliac-femoral venous stents has revolutionized the treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome.
Year after year, from 2009, 2010, 2011, and beyond, CEC has been at the forefront of this rapid pace of development, embracing new diagnostic techniques, introducing innovative products, and showcasing research findings, keeping abreast with the global and domestic advancements in vascular intervention.
15 Years of Clinical Trials
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Over the past 15 years in the realm of clinical trial results publication, the CEC (assuming CEC stands for a specific conference, journal, or platform dedicated to clinical research) has been a prominent venue for disseminating a vast array of international and domestic clinical trial findings, with notable exceptions of 2008 and 2009 when no clinical trials were announced. Since then, every year has witnessed a robust sharing of clinical trial outcomes from both domestic and foreign sources, particularly in recent years, where an abundance of domestic data has come to light, significantly enhancing the standing of Chinese-made products in the field of endovascular therapy.
This 15-year journey serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of progress, fueled by the overarching development of China's environment and the thriving vascular surgery industry. The CEC has played a pivotal role in altering the landscape for many Chinese surgeons by introducing new technologies, innovative concepts, and cutting-edge devices. Its contributions have been instrumental in advancing the cause of vascular surgery in China, marking a significant milestone in the nation's medical progress.
03
15 Years of Vascular Surgery: Advancing Triumphantly with Infinite Potential
The past 15 years of CEC have also served as a testament to the meteoric rise of China's vascular surgery industry.
It can be said that CEC is not only a witness but also an active participant, contributor, and integral part of the growth of vascular surgery in China. The 15 years it has traversed coincide with the most rapid period of development for China's vascular surgery, marking a significant chapter in the nation's medical progress.
15 Years of Progress in Vascular Product Research and Development
Among the numerous advancements, the innovation in medical devices has emerged as a pivotal force propelling medical technology forward, leaving a profound impact on the past 15 years.
Over the span of 15 years, the advancements in endovascular consumables within the vascular surgery field have been widely acknowledged, with a plethora of both domestic and international products making their debut and enhancing the therapeutic landscape.
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It is noteworthy that since 2014, the market has been flooded with numerous domestic products, leading to an increase in their market share. More and more Chinese-made consumables and products are being embraced by clinicians across the country. This trend underscores the growing recognition and acceptance of domestic products within the medical community.
Over the past three to five years, the emergence of a vast array of domestic products has significantly broadened the selection available. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that imported products continue to hold a dominant position in the market. These products offer advantages that are currently hard to surpass in terms of design philosophy, material quality, and comprehensiveness.
Regarding the future of endovascular consumables, Professor Chen Zhong emphasized that it is imperative for imported products to better integrate into the Chinese market, adapt to local needs, and become more grounded. At the same time, domestic products must strive to catch up with their international counterparts in terms of development pace and quality. Both aspects are critical considerations for the industry's progress.
Ultimately, all products are meant to serve the needs of doctors and ultimately benefit the public, contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of society. Professor Chen Zhong expressed his hope that in the future, everyone can work together to drive the industry forward and jointly create a thriving market that meets the needs of both patients and clinicians.
The Establishment of Academic Organizations Over the Past 15 Years
On the dial of time, there are always memorable events that signify the core internal factors driving the relentless progress of the "torrent" of development.
The establishment of each academic organization stands as a testament to the relentless march of progress.
Over the past 15 years, the formation of various academic organizations in vascular surgery has played a positive role in enhancing the national academic level, facilitating the dissemination of professional knowledge, and promoting the development and innovation of the discipline.
Looking back in time, in 1993, Academician Wang Zhonggao organized and established the first professional academic organization in vascular surgery in China - the Vascular Surgery Group of the Surgical Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. In 2014, the Vascular Surgery Expert Committee of the Cross-Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association was founded, marking the establishment of the first secondary organization specializing in vascular surgery in China. This milestone signifies the gradual progression of China's vascular surgery field towards professionalism, scientification, and standardization. Since then, various professional committees have sprung up nationwide.
On June 6, 2019, the Vascular Surgery Physicians Branch was established under the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, marking the transformation of the former tertiary vascular surgery organization under the Surgeons Branch into a genuine secondary branch.
On October 31, 2019, the Vascular Surgery Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association established 12 tertiary subcommittees.
In 2023, various domestic organizations united to form the China Vascular Alliance.
As national academic organizations continued to emerge, regional academic organizations also experienced significant growth and development.
From a temporal perspective, prior to 2008, there were only 6 local medical associations with vascular surgery professional committees (or branches), and none under the doctors' associations. After 2008, the number of local medical associations with vascular surgery professional committees (or branches) increased to 19, while those under the doctors' associations reached 21. Concurrently, domestic vascular surgery academic conferences flourished, marking the beginning of a vibrant era for vascular surgery in China.
15 Years of Scientific Research
In terms of scientific research, in 2008, 2015, and 2016, three professional journals of vascular surgery were founded respectively, namely "Chinese Journal of Vascular Surgery", "Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery", and "Chinese Journal of Vascular Surgery". A total of 20 authoritative domestic guidelines and consensuses have been published, comprehensively covering various sub-specialties of vascular surgery.
The publication of SCI papers in vascular surgery has experienced a remarkable growth, starting from scratch and culminating in a total of 4,298 SCI papers published by Chinese vascular surgeons as of December 31, 2022. Concurrently, numerous experts have been honored with various national and even provincial-level awards, along with numerous patents and publications in the field of vascular surgery.
After 15 years of continuous development, vascular surgery in China is thriving and flourishing. It has transformed from a solitary endeavor to a vibrant and colorful landscape, with a highly promising current situation and excellent prospects for the future.
Fifteen years have flown by in the blink of an eye, with our original aspirations shining brightly throughout the journey.
Through 15 years of perseverance and endeavor, CEC, together with Chinese Vascular Surgery, has set sail with steadfastness and determination, finally reaping rewards and reaching our ultimate goals, forging the brilliance we see today. It is undeniable that CEC stands as one of the academic conferences that have contributed the most significantly to the cause of Chinese Vascular Surgery.
Looking ahead, CEC aspires to continue partnering with you all, jointly propelling the advancement of Vascular Surgery.
Anticipating an even more splendid next fifteen years for CEC and Chinese Vascular Surgery!