Short Biography Information
Dr. Paolo Casoni is a distinguished physician and surgeon whose career is marked by excellence in multiple medical specialties. He earned his Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Parma in 1983, graduating with full honors (110/110 cum laude) with a thesis focused on the surgical treatment of cerebrovascular insufficiency. Continuing his education at the University of Parma, Dr. Casoni specialized in General Surgery (1988), Clinical Oncology (1992), and Vascular Surgery (1998), each time achieving the highest marks and producing notable research in kidney transplantation, nutritional support for colon cancer patients, and complications in carotid endarterectomy procedures. His international experience includes training at the Vascular Anomalies and Venous Malformations Center at Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. From 1999 to 2009, he further advanced his expertise by attending the European School of Phlebology in Paris, studying advanced techniques in venous vascular surgery and diagnostics under leading specialists. Dr. Casoni’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to surgical innovation, research, and patient care.
Interview Questions:
Can you describe a particularly challenging case you’ve encountered in your practice as a phlebology surgeon and how you approached it?
The most complex cases are recurrences in the popliteal fossa. Recently, I have successfully used HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) combined with ultrasound-guided sclerosing foam, achieving excellent results
What new developments or advancements in Venous surgery are you most excited about, and how do you think they will improve patient outcomes?
We have been working for years on hemodynamics and on preserving the venous heritage. The introduction of HIFU has significantly enhanced and revolutionized our conservative approach, making it more effective. Even in complex cases, we are now able to combine multiple techniques and achieve optimal results.
What advice would you give to patients who are considering Venous surgery, and how can they prepare themselves for the procedure and recovery?
A varicose syndrome takes years to develop, regardless of the presence of symptoms. Our current working philosophy is founded on the concept of time: every treatment must aim for zero complications, allow an immediate return to daily activities, and have minimal social and relational impact. This is why, by respecting the venous heritage, we strive to offer each patient the very best—transforming routine medical acts into an art form, with time as our ally. Our goal is to restore venous circulation without destroying it.
In your opinion, what sets phlebology apart from other surgical specialities, and what drew you to this field?
Phlebology embodies the completeness of human health. Venous circulation is one of the three essential pillars of well-being: veins carry metabolic waste back to the heart, and the slower this process becomes, the more a system—commonly referred to simply as ‘veins’—begins to deteriorate. However, the real truth lies in the infinitely small: the endothelial cell. When venous insufficiency is neglected, it can trigger a cascade of systemic inflammatory issues, even affecting the cardiovascular system as a whole. This is one reason I was drawn to phlebology. Another is the extraordinary clinical diversity the phlebologist encounters—something unique to this field. From telangiectasias to deep vein thrombosis, from chronic ulcers to lymphedema, phlebology offers a wide and fascinating spectrum of conditions that no other discipline encompasses in quite the same way.
How do you see the future of phlebology evolving, and what role do you see technology and innovation play in this evolution?
The future is difficult to predict, especially because today, unfortunately, in 87% of cases veins are still treated by destroying them—particularly the saphenous trunks—using outdated techniques such as surgical crossectomy and stripping, which should now belong to the past rather than the present; however, aside from the so-called innovations such as laser, radiofrequency, or other vein-destructive systems, we now have access to ultrasound technology—specifically HIFU—which is the only device capable of inducing a targeted narrowing of the vein, like an hourglass, exactly where we intend it. It truly acts as a time machine. This is the future: the ability to treat without destroying.
