Gathering experts at the foot of the Yan Mountains to pass on the torch of knowledge, and chasing the light of minimally invasive techniques to embark on a new journey. From May 15 to 17, 2026, the First Annual Conference of the World Ablative Therapies Association (WATA 2026) was grandly held in Beijing. This was not merely a pioneering event in the global ablation field, but an academic feast that brought together industry wisdom and guided the future trajectory of ablation therapies, providing a premier core platform for global experts and scholars to engage in high-level exchanges and foster mutual development.
Opening Ceremony of the WATA 2026 First Annual Conference
The WATA 2026 annual meeting presented a rich and multifaceted academic agenda covering the latest advancements in ablation technologies—from basic science and engineering breakthroughs to clinical applications and multidisciplinary integration—comprehensively demonstrating cutting-edge achievements and trends in the global ablation field. The conference innovatively utilized keynote speeches, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, oral presentations, and poster exhibitions to provide ample interactive opportunities. It successfully served as a core platform for top international experts to exchange ideas, showcase advanced research, and shape the future development of minimally invasive therapies.
As a highlighted feature of the conference, the Varicose Vein Ablation Parallel Session was launched concurrently and conducted systematically across four phases. It gathered top domestic and international experts in minimally invasive venous therapies to conduct comprehensive and in-depth academic exchanges and practical instruction centered on cutting-edge techniques, clinical protocols, efficacy evaluation, and controversy resolution in lower extremity varicose vein ablation. This provided attendees with an academic feast of both theoretical depth and practical value, helping to drive varicose vein ablation techniques toward greater standardization, precision, and internationalization.
Parallel Session I: Focusing on Venous Reflux and Consolidating the Foundation of Ablation
Parallel Session I was co-chaired by Professor Yue-Feng Zhu from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Professor Teng-Hui Zhan from Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital. Several authoritative domestic and international experts took the stage to deliver lectures, focusing on core topics such as lower extremity venous reflux treatment and microwave ablation efficacy, sharing cutting-edge research findings and clinical practice experiences.
Professors Yue-Feng Zhu and Teng-Hui Zhan moderating Parallel Session I
Professor Mark Whiteley from the Whiteley Clinic (UK) provided an in-depth explanation of treatment modalities for various venous reflux patterns affecting the legs. Utilizing international clinical cases, he analyzed precision diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for different reflux types, broadening the international perspective of the attendees.
Professor Mark Whiteley delivering his lecture
Professor Po Yang from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University presented on the "Long-Term Efficacy Evaluation of Microwave Ablation for Lower Extremity Varicose Veins." Drawing on long-term clinical follow-up data, he provided an in-depth analysis of the long-term outcomes, recurrence factors, and optimization protocols of microwave ablation, offering solid data support for clinical practice.
Professor Po Yang delivering his lecture
Professor Jian-Zhong Huang from the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center systematically expounded on "Endovenous Thermal Ablation: The Treatment of Choice for Lower Extremity Varicose Veins." He detailed the standard operating procedures, core advantages, and clinical application essentials of endovenous thermal ablation, establishing its status as a first-line treatment and providing critical guidance for clinical decision-making.
Professor Jian-Zhong Huang delivering his lecture
Professor Nugroho Nyityasmono Tri from the National Hospital Cipto Mangunkusumo - Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, shared insights on the "Clinical Outcomes of Endovenous Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein: Focusing on Endovenous Microwave Ablation (EMA)." Combining his clinical experience, he detailed the clinical efficacy, operative techniques, and complication prevention strategies of EMA, offering internationally leading practical experience to the audience.
Professor Nugroho Nyityasmono Tri delivering his lecture
Professor Tamer Ezzat from Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital focused on the "Microwave Ablation of Incompetent Perforating Veins." He thoroughly analyzed the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of perforating vein incompetence and shared key techniques and clinical insights regarding microwave ablation, helping attendees enhance their ability to manage complex cases.
Professor Tamer Ezzat delivering his lecture
Parallel Session II: Deepening Clinical Practice and Solving Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Parallel Session II was moderated by Professor Hong-Ping Deng from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Professor Lin Yang from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Experts focused on clinical hotspots and challenges, including calf vein ablation, postoperative recurrence, and treatment strategies, sharing practical clinical experience to drive the optimization and upgrading of clinical techniques.
Professors Hong-Ping Deng and Lin Yang moderating Parallel Session II
Professor Hong-Tao Xiong from Shenzhen People's Hospital shared his "Clinical Observation on Endovenous Thermal Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein Trunk in the Calf Segment." Using clinical cases, he meticulously analyzed the operative challenges, efficacy evaluation, and crucial considerations of calf segment great saphenous vein ablation, providing actionable practical regimens for primary care clinical settings.
Professor Hong-Tao Xiong delivering his lecture
Professor Wen-Jia Ai from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University elaborated on "Thermal Ablation Strategies for Small Saphenous Vein Incompetence." She systematically outlined the clinical guidelines for small saphenous vein incompetence and shared insights on selecting thermal ablation strategies tailored to varying disease severities, thereby aiding attendees in achieving individualized patient care.
Professor Wen-Jia Ai delivering her lecture
Professor Ren-Ying Miao from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University presented a "Minimally Invasive Treatment of Varicose Veins—A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of Thermal Ablation and MOCA." Through comparative single-center clinical data, he deeply analyzed the pros and cons as well as the applicable scenarios for thermal ablation versus Mechanochemical Endovenous Ablation (MOCA), providing an important reference for optimizing clinical treatment protocols.
Professor Ren-Ying Miao delivering his lecture
Professor Hai-Tao Wang from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University focused on the "Causes and Management Strategies of Postoperative Recurrence of Lower Extremity Varicose Veins." He comprehensively dissected the common etiologies of postoperative recurrence and proposed targeted preventive measures and management protocols, effectively addressing major pain points in clinical practice.
Professor Hai-Tao Wang delivering his lecture
In addition, Professor Wen-Jia Ai from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Professor Wen-Ling Man from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University conducted on-site instructional sessions. They addressed attendees' clinical queries individually and provided hands-on coaching on operative techniques, greatly assisting participants in enhancing their practical skills.
On-site Hands-on Instruction
Parallel Session III: Integration of Innovative Technologies and Broadening Academic Horizons
Parallel Session III was co-chaired by Professor Lei Song from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University and Professor Hai-Tao Wang from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Experts delivered cutting-edge academic presentations on the innovative application of microwave ablation technology, comparisons across multiple modalities, and cross-disciplinary integration.
Image: Professors Lei Song and Hai-Tao Wang moderating Parallel Session III
Professor Gang Wang from the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine shared the "Application of Microwave Ablation in Varicose Veins." Integrating the philosophies of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, he detailed the innovative applications of microwave ablation in varicose vein treatment, offering novel insights into the innovation of clinical practice models.
Professor Gang Wang delivering his lecture)
Professor Harsya Dwindaru Gunardi from RSUP Fatmawati presented a "Prospective Analysis of the Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Laser, Radiofrequency, and Microwave Endovenous Ablation for Chronic Venous Insufficiency." Using long-term prospective research data, he compared the safety and clinical efficacy of these three ablation technologies, providing an evidence-based foundation for clinical modality selection.
rofessor Harsya Dwindaru Gunardi delivering his lecture
Professor Di-Yong Chen from National Cheng Kung University Hospital delivered a presentation titled "Beyond the Beam: The Art and Science of Microwave Ablation from Kitchen to Clinic." Spanning from basic science to clinical application, he provided a vivid, academically rigorous yet engaging interpretation of the developmental history and innovative breakthroughs of microwave ablation technology.
Professor Di-Yong Chen delivering his lecture
Professor Xin-Hao Wang from the Department of Vascular Surgery at the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital shared insights on the "Ablation Treatment of Type II Endoleaks Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)." Expanding the application scope of ablation technologies, he detailed the key procedures and clinical value of ablating Type II endoleaks in abdominal aortic aneurysms, effectively broadening the academic horizons of the attendees.
Professor Xin-Hao Wang delivering his lecture
Professor Nawaphan Tangsakul from Chulabhorn Hospital (Thailand) presented "Microwave Ablation as an Endovenous Thermal Therapy Option: A Comparative Review and Insights." Integrating clinical practice experiences from Thailand, she shared her observations and comparative analysis of microwave ablation within endovenous thermal therapies, bringing a diversified academic perspective to the audience.
Professor Nawaphan Tangsakul delivering her lecture)
Parallel Session IV: Focusing on Clinical Applications and Empowering Practical Skills
Parallel Session IV was moderated by Professor Hong Liu from Tianjin Union Medical Center and Professor Ying-Xue Hao from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University. Experts focused on practical clinical experiences with microwave ablation, etiology screening, and perforating vein treatment, sharing valuable insights to help attendees elevate their clinical proficiency.
Professors Hong Liu and Ying-Xue Hao moderating Parallel Session IV
Professor Sheng Yan from the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University shared his "Clinical Insights on the Application of Microwave Ablation for Chronic Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency." Drawing upon his extensive clinical experience, he meticulously explained the operative techniques, efficacy evaluation, and complication prevention strategies of microwave ablation in treating this condition, offering highly practical guidance.
Professor Sheng Yan delivering his lecture
Professor Kun Li from Henan Provincial People's Hospital delivered a lecture on the "Clinical Strategies and Value of Microwave Ablation in Treating Lower Extremity Perforating Vein Incompetence." He systematically articulated the clinical protocols for managing perforating vein incompetence and highlighted the strategic applications and value of microwave ablation, providing essential guidance for clinical practice.
Professor Kun Li delivering his lecture
Professor Zhou-Peng Wu from West China Hospital of Sichuan University presented on the "Etiological Screening of Varicose Veins." He deeply analyzed the pathogenesis and etiological characteristics of varicose veins, underscoring the critical role of etiological screening in precision medicine, and providing an evidence-based rationale for clinical prevention and treatment.
Professor Zhou-Peng Wu delivering his lecture
Professor Xi-Chuan Zheng from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University shared his "Experience with Microwave Ablation in the Treatment of Lower Extremity Varicose Veins." Referencing numerous clinical cases, he imparted practical techniques, methods for overcoming procedural difficulties, and clinical reflections, facilitating the rapid translation of learned knowledge into clinical proficiency for the attendees.
rofessor Xi-Chuan Zheng delivering his lecture
Conclusion of the Symposium: Passing the Torch to Embark on a New Journey
The WATA 2026 Varicose Vein Ablation Parallel Session, progressively structured with distinct focuses across four phases, consolidated top-tier intelligence in the field of minimally invasive venous therapies globally. It comprehensively covered the forefront advancements, clinical standards, operative techniques, and controversy resolutions surrounding varicose vein ablation technologies. Through multi-format and multi-dimensional academic exchanges and guidance, it established a high-quality, practically-oriented learning platform for attendees.
Participating physicians overwhelmingly expressed that the sessions were rich in content and highly practical. They noted that they not only learned internationally advanced clinical techniques and concepts but also resolved numerous practical clinical challenges through interactive dialogues, reaping substantial benefits. Moving forward, they intend to effectively apply these newly acquired skills and knowledge to their clinical practices, standardize operative workflows, and elevate treatment proficiency, ensuring that more patients with lower extremity varicose veins benefit from the continuous development of minimally invasive ablation technologies.
The successful convening of the WATA 2026 Varicose Vein Ablation Parallel Session not only promoted the academic exchange and integration of ablation techniques domestically and internationally but also charted a clear course for future technological development, injecting fresh momentum into the high-quality evolution of the global minimally invasive venous ablation field. The World Ablative Therapies Association (WATA) will continue to serve as a pivotal bridge, pooling industry wisdom to drive the sustained innovation and popularization of ablation technologies, safeguarding public vascular health through minimally invasive power, and collaboratively mapping a new blueprint for the global ablation arena.
