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Phlebosophy · Origins

Foundations

History of surgical procedures on lower limb veins and the inferior vena cava. A journey through centuries of phlebology evolution.

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History of phlebology

The roots of our discipline

Modern phlebology has its roots in centuries of clinical observation and surgical progress.

Antiquity
First clinical observations
Varicose veins were already described by Hippocrates (460–370 BC) who recommended compression. Egyptian writings from 1550 BC report the first descriptions of dilated lower limb veins.
17th–19th century
First modern surgical procedures
Friedrich Trendelenburg (1844–1924) first described ligation of the great saphenous vein at the saphenofemoral junction, laying the foundations of modern venous surgery.
20th century
The age of vascular surgery
Sclerotherapy, saphenous stripping and phlebectomy techniques become standard. The development of Doppler revolutionizes diagnosis of chronic venous disease and DVT.
21st century
The minimally invasive era
Endovascular techniques — laser ablation, radiofrequency, cyanoacrylate, US-guided foam — progressively replace traditional surgery. Treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome with stenting is now established.
2016 — The birth
The first Phlebosophy congress
In Venice, September 2016, Phlebosophy is born. The idea: a format based on experiential learning, live scanning and interactive discussion of real clinical cases.
Today
Towards precision medicine
Artificial intelligence, advanced imaging and innovative pharmacology open new frontiers. Phlebosophy 2026 explores these perspectives through sessions dedicated to innovation and young talents.
Philosophy

"Phlebo + Sophia"

The name itself combines the Greek "phlebo" (vein) with "sophia" (wisdom). A philosophy centered on scientific knowledge, medical humanism and knowledge transmission across generations of specialists.

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