VISION 2026: United by Patients and the Future of Vein Care

VISION26 was more than a conference; it was a movement toward driving innovation in patient-centered healthcare.

VISION26, the premier clinical convention, was a milestone moment for Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) and for the entire venous and lymphatic community. This year’s conference, held for the first time in Washington, DC, from January 9-11, 2026, welcomed more participants than ever before, with attendance growing 20 percent over last year. 

The energy in the main ballroom and the many breakout rooms reflected something deeper than record numbers: it revealed a specialty moving forward together, united by patients and inspired by what is possible when innovation, education, and leadership come together.

Watch the Keynote address here:

A Pivotal Year in the Future of Vein Care

After years in Baltimore, VISION moved to Washington, DC, for its 2026 gathering, reflecting the growing national visibility of venous and lymphatic medicine. Hosted at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of the capital, the setting underscored how this specialty is entering a broader healthcare conversation that includes public awareness, policy, innovation, and the future of patient-centered care. 

The move to Washington underscores the growing importance of venous and lymphatic medicine in the national healthcare conversation.

Watch the Keynote Address HERE

Center for Vein Restoration’s Vision for the Future

This year’s theme, United by Patients, was brought to life in the keynote address by Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, Founder and CEO of Center for Vein Restoration. Dr. Lakhanpal spoke about Center for Vein Restoration’s responsibility to keep pushing the field forward and the decisive role artificial intelligence will play in that future. At CVR, AI is already being used to support clinical education, improve diagnostics, and strengthen patient engagement. 

The goal is simple but ambitious: to give physicians better tools so they can deliver more precise, compassionate, and effective care.

Advancing Vein and Lymphatic Care Through Education

VISION26’s educational program reflected that forward-looking mindset. Sessions covered the full spectrum of vein and lymphatic disease, from everyday challenges to the most complex cases. 

Physicians attending in Washington, DC, and those joining virtually participated in the same live educational sessions, with interactive Q&A, real-time discussion, and on-demand access to recordings, allowing all participants to earn CME credits on the same schedule. 

Topics included:

• Controversies in the Management of Superficial Vein Disease
• Venous Ulcers Reimagined: Trials, Tech, and Techniques
• Comprehensive Strategies for Lymphedema and Lipedema
• Pelvic Venous Disorders and Deep Vein Pathologies
• From Cosmetic to Complex: Diverse Venous Challenges
• Challenging Cases in Vascular and Venous Medicine

What made these sessions especially meaningful was how closely they aligned with real-world practice. The discussions blended evidence-based medicine, emerging technologies, and practical techniques that clinicians can use right away to improve patient outcomes.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Vein Care

A defining theme of VISION26 was the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in venous and lymphatic medicine. From supporting ultrasound interpretation to predicting disease progression and improving practice efficiency, AI is becoming a powerful tool in modern vein care. Center for Vein Restoration is at the forefront of this shift, using technology to create a smarter, more connected, and more patient-centered experience.

“Artificial intelligence isn’t about replacing clinicians; it’s about empowering them. By embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, physicians can expand their capabilities and elevate patient care.” – Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, Founder and CEO of CVR

Hybrid Learning with National Reach

The hybrid format significantly broadened the reach of VISION26, allowing physicians across the country and around the world to participate in high-quality venous and lymphatic education without geographic or travel barriers. This approach reflects Center for Vein Restoration’s commitment to expanding access to clinical knowledge and advancing patient care on a national and global scale.

Building a Stronger Vein Care Community

Of course, VISION has always been about more than lectures. Throughout the conference, conversations in hallways, workshops, and evening gatherings sparked new ideas, collaborations, and friendships. These connections are what keep the field moving forward long after the final session ends.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend deep gratitude to our sponsors, including mediUSA, whose support makes VISION26 possible. Their dedication to advancing education and innovation ensures that this conference remains a cornerstone of professional growth in venous and lymphatic medicine.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Vein and Lymphatic Medicine

With more than 120 centers nationwide, over 90 physicians, and more than 700,000 patient interactions each year, Center for Vein Restoration continues to grow with purpose. VISION26 was a powerful reminder of what that growth is really about: advancing care, embracing innovation, and staying united around the people who matter most, our patients.

As we look ahead, one thing is clear. The future of venous and lymphatic medicine is being shaped right now, and Center for Vein Restoration is proud to be leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was VISION 2026, and why was it important for vein care?
VISION26 was a national conference hosted by Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) that brought together leading experts in venous and lymphatic medicine to share the latest research, technology, and clinical strategies. With record-breaking attendance and a focus on patient-centered innovation, it highlighted where the future of vein and lymphatic care is headed.

2. Why was VISION 2026 held in Washington, DC?
VISION26 was held in Washington, DC, to reflect the growing national visibility and importance of venous and lymphatic disease in healthcare. Hosting the conference in the nation’s capital underscored how vein care is becoming a larger part of public health, medical innovation, and patient advocacy.

3. How did artificial intelligence play a role at VISION 2026?
Artificial intelligence was a central theme of VISION26, with discussions focused on how AI can improve diagnostics, streamline workflows, and enhance patient care. Center for Vein Restoration shared how it is already using AI to support physicians and create more precise, efficient, and patient-focused treatment.

4. Could physicians attend VISION 2026 virtually?
Yes. VISION26 offered a hybrid format that allowed physicians to attend in person in Washington, DC, or participate virtually in the same live sessions. This made it possible for doctors around the world to earn CME credits and access high-quality venous and lymphatic education without travel barriers.