In recent years, phlebology has undergone a profound transformation, moving from a predominantly destructive approach to a more modern, functional, and respectful vision of the venous system.
“The new phlebology seeks to heal by preserving: not by destroying, but by restoring function whenever possible.
This philosophy has led my center to favor conservative, minimally invasive, and personalized techniques, always tailored to the individual patient,” says Paolo Casoni of the Ippocrate Vein Academy in Parma, located on Via Po, one of the most advanced centers internationally. Casoni, a former associate professor at the University of Parma and a vascular surgeon with forty years of experience and training in the USA, France, and Canada, founded the Ippocrate Vein Clinic in 2008, which has now evolved into the current IppocrateVein Academy, a center dedicated exclusively to diagnosis, treatment, research, and training in phlebology and vascular surgery.
“Since 2019, the Parma center has been among the first in the world to introduce Sonovein® technology, based on HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), into clinical practice,” explains Casoni. “A completely non-invasive method that allows chronic venous insufficiency to be treated externally, without incisions, needles, catheters, or anesthesia.”
Since then, Casoni continues, clinical activity has grown steadily and rigorously:
“Over 560 patients treated, with structured follow-ups and documented clinical results. A case series that today represents the largest clinical experience in the world in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with HIFU.”
This approach received significant recognition at the UIP (International Union of Phlebology) World Congress, held in Buenos Aires at the end of October 2025, where the Ippocrate Vein Academy was named the center in the world with the most consolidated clinical experience in the use of Sonovein®.
“This result places Parma among the leading international centers for innovative phlebology. To date, IppocrateVein Academy is the only center in Italy able to offer a structured treatment for chronic venous insufficiency with Sonovein®, integrating it with all other available therapeutic options: sclerotherapy, endovenous laser, minimally invasive surgery, and personalized hemodynamics,” Casoni continues.
The result is personalized medicine: “Each patient receives the most appropriate treatment based on their anatomy, physiology, and clinical needs,” Casoni notes.
In August 2025, the Emilia-Romagna Region granted Ippocrate Vein Academy institutional accreditation for angiology, vascular surgery, and continuing education. “The Parma Local Health Authority is currently evaluating the allocation of a budget for the population, with the aim of gradually making these innovative treatments accessible to the public sector as well,” the vascular surgeon explains.
The center’s mission is also scientific and educational. A partnership with the University of Ferrara is in the advanced stages of establishing a three-year PhD program dedicated to the study of high-intensity ultrasound therapy applied to venous pathology.
The Ippocrate Vein Academy is also a training center for the Italian School of Surgical Phlebology, hosting young vascular surgeons in training from across Italy.
“Innovation,” explains Casoni, “stems from experience, study, and respect for the patient, but also from recognizing the importance of the venous system. Today, we know that venous reflux, if sustained over time, promotes inflammation. It is therefore correct to intervene to eliminate it, but destroying the vein is no longer acceptable.
Modern phlebology must focus on conservation and prevention. High-intensity ultrasound allows us to correct the problem while respecting physiology, reducing inflammation, and preserving the venous system.”
This vision has already attracted international attention. Recently, vascular surgeons from Barcelona and Lisbon, Sonovein®‘s new locations, were invited to Parma to discuss and explore the conservative approach developed by the center, particularly the recently published concept of hemodynamic volumetry.
The journey will culminate in a global event: on May 22 and 23, 2026, Parma will host the Third International Phlebology Days, organized by the Ippocrate Vein Academy and its team. It will be the first global conference entirely dedicated to Sonovein® and HIFU in phlebology, with the participation of all 14 centers currently active worldwide that use this method. “An event that marks the official beginning of a new era in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.” Casoni concludes.
From the Gazzetta di Parma, January 28, 2026
