University of Miami‑Led International Vascular Congress Expands Focus for IVC 2026
In partnership with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the 24th International Vascular Congress returns to Miami in May 2026 with expanded venous, arterial, ultrasound and fellows programming.
The 24th annual International Vascular Congress (IVC) takes place this spring in Miami. Now led by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, the conference brings together hundreds of attendees and thought leaders, including vascular surgeons, interventional specialists, fellows, sonographers and care teams from around the world for three days of intensive education, hands‑on training and candid clinical discussion.
Scheduled for May 28–30, 2026 at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, this year’s meeting reflects the continued evolution of a conference that has helped shape modern venous and vascular care for more than two decades.
“This year’s conference focuses on the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of venous and arterial disease, particularly the rapid growth of minimally invasive therapies,” said congress organizer Jose Almeida, M.D., a UHealth — University of Miami Health System surgeon. “We bring together leading physicians, researchers and innovators to share real-world experience and emerging clinical evidence. The goal is simple — translate new ideas and technologies into better care for patients.”
Why the International Vascular Congress Matters for Patient Care
IVC 2026 is organized around four distinct learning tracks — Venous, Arterial, Ultrasound and Fellows—designed to meet clinicians where they are in practice while encouraging cross‑disciplinary learning. The agenda features concurrent sessions, expert‑led debates, live and recorded case discussions and immersive skills workshops.
The Venous Track, long considered the cornerstone of IVC, will once again offer one of the most comprehensive venous programs in the field. Sessions will focus on advanced venous disease management, deep venous stenting, pelvic venous disorders, venous thromboembolism and complex case decision‑making, with an emphasis on evidence‑based care and real‑world outcomes.
Newly expanded in recent years, the Arterial Track addresses the growing need for integrated vascular expertise. This program includes focused sessions on peripheral artery disease, critical limb ischemia and limb salvage, aortic and carotid disease and visceral interventions, using device‑driven case presentations to explore both open and endovascular strategies.
A Commitment to Practical Vascular Education
A hallmark of the congress is its commitment to practical education, and that is most visible in the Ultrasound Track. This year’s ultrasound programming emphasizes hands‑on scanning with live patient models, step‑by‑step protocols for venous and arterial studies and direct connections between imaging findings and clinical decision‑making. Designed for physicians, technologists and multidisciplinary teams, these limited‑access workshops prioritize mastery over theory.
For the first time as a fully integrated component of the meeting, IVC also offers a dedicated Fellows Track. Tailored specifically for vascular trainees, the program includes fellows‑only ultrasound instruction, simulation‑based training on endovascular devices and direct engagement with faculty across venous and arterial sessions. The Fellows Track aims at accelerating confidence and real‑world readiness early in a physician’s career.
“One of the core missions of any university is to develop and mentor young physicians,” said Dr. Almeida. “The Fellows Track was created to provide dedicated education for physicians currently training in vascular surgery, interventional radiology and cardiovascular specialties. It gives fellows direct exposure to new technologies, practical clinical insights and mentorship from leaders in the field.”
From Vein Meeting to Global Vascular Forum
The International Vascular Congress began more than 20 years ago as the International Vein Congress, founded by Dr. Almeida, a pioneer in endovascular venous surgery. The meeting was created at a time when minimally invasive venous therapies were rapidly emerging but lacked a formal academic platform. From the outset, the congress emphasized open dialogue, practical education and patient outcomes over promotion.
As the field evolved, so did the meeting. Reflecting the increasingly integrated nature of vascular care, the congress expanded beyond venous disease to include arterial interventions, ultrasound education and structured training for fellows. Today, IVC represents what organizers describe as “a venous legacy and a vascular future,” bringing together multiple disciplines under one academic umbrella.
A significant milestone in that evolution is IVC’s current role as an official academic meeting of the Miller School’s DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery. Dr. Almeida continues to serve as course chair, providing continuity of leadership while leveraging the academic rigor and educational resources of a major university surgical department.
What Sets IVC 2026 Apart from Other Vascular Conferences
At its core, the mission of the International Vascular Congress is to educate, mentor and develop the next generation of vascular specialists. That mission is reflected in the meeting’s structure, which blends didactic lectures with hands‑on learning, simulation‑based training and candid discussion of both clinical challenges and practice realities.
IVC’s emphasis on experiential learning, particularly in ultrasound and endovascular simulation, aims to shorten the gap between knowledge and practice, reinforcing best practices while allowing participants to gain confidence in a supervised, risk‑free environment. Just as important, the congress prioritizes ethical decision‑making and thoughtful innovation, preparing clinicians to navigate a rapidly changing health care landscape.
As IVC 2026 approaches, organizers say the goal remains the same as it was at the meeting’s founding: to provide an open, clinically relevant forum where vascular professionals can learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and ultimately improve patient care.
“At its heart, the conference is about advancing patient care,” said Dr. Almeida. “By bringing together physicians, researchers, and industry innovators, we hope to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients with vascular disease. With the support of the University of Miami, the meeting continues to serve as an international platform for education and collaboration.”
Tags: cardiovascular, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dr. Jose Almeida, thoracic endovascular aortic repair, vascular health, vascular surgery