Laying the Foundation for CHIVA Practice: An Interview with Dr. Du Xin
On September 19, the Standardized Chinese Terminology for CHIVA (2026 Edition) will officially launch in Hong Kong, China. Ahead of the release, Venous Update spoke with Dr. Du Xin—head of the Beijing Varicose Vein CHIVA Center at Dr. Smile Medical Group and a member of the Asian Venous Academy (AVA) Academic Advisory Board—to discuss the background and significance of this standardization.
Alex: Dr. Du, what inspired the creation of the Standardized Chinese Terminology for CHIVA, and why has a "unified language" become essential?
Dr. Du Xin: The motivation arose from real-world challenges in clinical practice, education, and academic exchange. As CHIVA adoption grew, we realized discrepancies weren't just about technical execution, but whether clinicians shared an identical understanding of hemodynamic terms and phenomena.
Promoted primarily by the Asian Venous Academy (AVA), this initiative ensures that CHIVA evolves from expert experience into teachable knowledge, executable examination protocols, discussable cases, and verifiable outcomes. Literal translations often fail to capture true hemodynamic functions—for instance, distinguishing between pathological Reflux and functional Deflux, or defining RP (Re-entry Point) and Mapping beyond mere anatomy. Standardizing terminology protects the scientific essence of CHIVA as it expands globally.
Alex: What were the primary difficulties encountered when formulating these terms?
Dr. Du Xin: The real challenge wasn't just finding matching Chinese characters, but accurately capturing the underlying hemodynamic meaning. We adhered strictly to a core principle: conceptual equivalence first, linguistic expression second.
For example, clinicians traditionally view reverse flow as inherently pathological and forward flow as normal. However, in CHIVA, flow direction is merely a superficial indicator; significance depends on pressure sources, drainage hierarchies, and functional roles within a Shunt. Reviewers including CHIVA founder Professor Claude Franceschi and AVA board members ensured these definitions remain precise.
Alex: What practical problems does this terminology solve across clinical practice, training, and international exchange?
Dr. Du Xin: It impacts three main tiers:
Clinical Practice: Establishes a common coordinate system, preventing misunderstandings during complex case discussions.
Education & Training: Reduces the learning curve by aligning terminology across textbooks, courses, and ultrasound imaging.
Global Collaboration: Eliminates redundant translation loops when Chinese-speaking clinicians engage in international research.
Alex: Some consider the CHIVA learning curve steep. Why start with terminology, and how does it integrate into training?
Dr. Du Xin: CHIVA is often viewed as difficult because learners mistakenly approach it with a legacy, technology-centered mindset—focusing solely on "what to remove or ablate." CHIVA, by contrast, is a hemodynamic strategy-driven framework.
We must first master language and concepts before analyzing pressures, Shunts, and EP/RP nodes. Currently, global CHIVA training is advancing through Tier 1 (establishing language and cognitive frameworks) before progressing to Tiers 2 and 3 (mapping, strategy, and execution). Standardizing terminology lowers the barrier to learning authentic CHIVA rather than reducing it to a procedural prefix (e.g., "CHIVA laser" or "CHIVA radiofrequency").
Alex: From a patient’s perspective, what are the ultimate benefits of accurate clinical language?
Dr. Du Xin: Standardized terminology directly impacts patient care. Because CHIVA relies heavily on pre-procedural hemodynamic planning—identifying pressure sources, pathological loads, and preservation pathways—accurate terminology ensures clinicians form precise, individualized treatment strategies. Ultimately, precise language leads to correct strategy, preserving venous function and maximizing clinical benefit.
Alex: What profound long-term impacts will this release bring to CHIVA's future development?
Dr. Du Xin: It marks a fundamental evolution in how CHIVA is learned and propagated—moving beyond mere surgical techniques to embrace deep hemodynamic reasoning. As China's global influence grows, this standardized terminology will serve as a vital cornerstone and international bridge for the legacy and global spread of CHIVA.
