A Defining First: The University of Miami’s Inaugural International Vascular Congress

By: Chad Hanson | June 11, 2026 | 7 min. read |

The inaugural International Vascular Congress under the University of Miami banner convened global experts to highlight evidence-driven care, emerging technologies and the future of venous disease treatment.

Clinicians review vascular imaging on a laptop in a laboratory setting, with microscope equipment and surgical activity visible in the background.

The 24th International Vascular Congress (IVC) marked a pivotal moment for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, representing the first time the globally recognized meeting convened under the institution’s banner. Over three days, the congress delivered a comprehensive look at the evolving vascular field and the rapid maturation of venous disease management while establishing Miami as a central hub for international collaboration, innovation and debate.

Held with more than 50 expert faculty representing four continents, the meeting drew a broad audience of clinicians, researchers and trainees. For congress organizer Jose Almeida, M.D., a UHealth — University of Miami Health System surgeon, the milestone event demonstrated both continuity and transformation.

“This first IVC under the University of Miami banner was a real validation that the format and substance still draw a serious, global audience,” said Dr. Almeida. “At the same time, the depth of evidence presented in the vascular space signals how far the field has advanced.”

Dr. Jose Almeida, standing and smiling in a dark suit and tie — IVC organizer Dr. Jose Almeida says the conference reflected the evolving nature of the vascular field.

A Milestone Moment for Miami on the Global Vascular Stage

Across plenary sessions, hands-on workshops and focused symposia, IVC 2026 showcased an evolving discipline. One of the most defining themes was the shift toward evidence-based practice in vascular disease, supported by a growing body of clinical trials and registries presented throughout the meeting.

A notable highlight was a masterclass examining more than two decades of truncal ablation, offering a candid look at outcomes, complications and patient selection. The session reflected a broader willingness among experts to critically reassess established techniques.

Equally illustrative was a high-profile debate surrounding non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion (NIVL) stenting. Presentations highlighted the scalability and safety of the procedure, as well as the ongoing uncertainty around patient selection criteria. The discussion underscored a central takeaway echoed across sessions.

“Much of the conversation now comes down to not just what we can do, but who we should treat,” said Dr. Almeida. “That shift toward thoughtful patient selection is where the real progress is happening.”

Data Reshaping Vascular Care

IVC 2026 also delivered several firsts in clinical research. Among the most significant was the presentation of randomized controlled trial data on pelvic venous embolization, providing the first Level 1 evidence in a space that has historically lacked rigorous study. When paired with emerging outcomes research on iliac and ovarian vein interventions, these findings point toward more standardized and defensible care pathways.

Rapid advancements were also evident in the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE), with data from multiple trials and registries highlighting the growing role of mechanical thrombectomy and AI-assisted technologies. These innovations are evolving at a pace that often outstrips traditional publication cycles, making forums like IVC critical for timely dissemination.

Another standout moment came in the form of a keynote tracing the origins of vein stenting, offering a rare, historical perspective that complemented the forward-looking tone of the meeting.

Hands-on Innovation and Practical Insight

Beyond the lecture halls, IVC 2026 emphasized experiential learning. A limited-access ultrasound workshop placed attendees directly at the bedside, scanning live patients under expert guidance. The session reflected a broader emphasis on practical skill-building, particularly for early-career physicians.

Landscape infographic titled ‘IVC Learning Tracks’ displaying four sections—Venous, Arterial, Ultrasound, and Fellows—with illustrated icons and one‑sentence descriptions, shown in University of Miami orange and green.

That commitment to the next generation was reinforced through a new fellows track designed to integrate trainees into high-level scientific and clinical discussions.

“Adding a dedicated fellows track brought an important new energy to the meeting,” said Dr. Almeida. “It created space for mentorship and ensured that the next generation is part of shaping where this field goes.”

Confronting the Business of Vascular Care

In addition to clinical science, IVC 2026 addressed the economic realities transforming vascular practice. Sessions exploring outpatient-based labs (OBLs), ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), reimbursement and accreditation sparked candid discussions.

One examined the decision to close an OBL, offering a transparent look at the financial pressures facing providers. Together, these conversations highlighted the increasingly complex intersection of clinical decision-making and practice sustainability.

“The practice model conversation is no longer optional,” noted Dr. Almeida. “How and where we deliver care is changing, and our community needs to address that openly.”

A New Chapter for IVC and for Miami

As the first IVC hosted under the University of Miami banner, the 2026 meeting preserved the congress’s reputation for rigorous scientific exchange and elevated its scope and impact. The emphasis on evidence and multidisciplinary collaboration reflects a field entering a more mature and data-driven phase.

“The energy, the debate and the quality of data we saw this year all point to a field that is moving forward,” said Dr. Almeida. “That is exactly what we hoped to achieve with this first Miami-hosted IVC.”