Short Biography Information
Dr. Christian Baraldi is a cardiovascular surgeon specializing in vascular and endovascular surgery, with a particular focus on saving ischemic limbs, managing diabetic foot, and minimally invasive arterial and venous procedures. He currently practices as a consultant in vascular and endovascular surgery at the Tirrenia Hospital in Belvedere Marittimo, Italy, and serves as Director of an Angiology and Vascular Surgery Clinic in Catanzaro, recently accredited by the Italian public health system. Dr. Baraldi also holds consulting positions at Villa Erbosa – Gruppo San Donato in Bologna and at the Carmona Clinic in Messina.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Baraldi is actively involved in academic teaching and professional training. He is a professor in the Master’s Degree Program in Surgery and Regenerative Medicine and Complex Wound Management at the Tor Vergata University of Rome (2024-2025) and, since 2025, he has been a professor in the Master’s Degree Program in Phlebology at the Catholic University of Murcia, Spain. He is also a faculty member of several national training programs in surgical phlebology organized by SICVE, SIC, SIF, and ACOI.
Dr. Baraldi holds advisory roles at leading international and national societies, including the American Venous Forum, the Italian Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (SICVE), the Italian Society of Vascular Diagnostics (SIDV), and the Italian Society of Phlebology (SIF), where he also coordinates the endovascular program. He is the founder and president of the International Live Venous Symposium, as well as the founder of the Global Venous and Lymphatic Forum and the International Diabetic Foot Forum, reflecting his commitment to education, innovation, and international collaboration in venous and vascular medicine.
Interview questions:
Can you describe a particularly difficult case you have encountered in your practice as a phlebologist and how you dealt with it?
One of the most difficult cases involved an arteriovenous malformation of the thigh. The complexity lay in managing both the arterial and venous components while minimizing patient morbidity. The condition was successfully treated using endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) combined with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, which allowed for precise targeting of the pathological vessels and an excellent clinical outcome.
What new developments or advances in venous surgery are you most excited about, and how do you think they will improve outcomes for patients?
One of the most significant developments in my experience was the introduction in 2008 of the 1470 nm diode laser, initially used with a bare fiber. This technology represented a major advance, significantly reducing post-operative pain and improving patient comfort and overall recovery. In the last two years, the use of 1940, which allows for a reduction in the LEED for treatment and my maneuver (hard massage after foam sclerotherapy injection) that increases the adhesion of the sclerosing agent, producing rapid closure of the target vein, has improved the outcome in my patients.
What advice would you give to patients who are considering vein surgery, and how can they prepare for the procedure and recovery?
I always advise patients that modern vein surgery is designed to be minimally invasive, with rapid recovery and little or no pain. Patients can rest assured that contemporary techniques allow for an immediate return to normal daily activities and a very favorable post-operative experience.
In your opinion, what distinguishes phlebology from other surgical specialties, and what attracted you to this field?
Phlebology is fundamentally a discipline based on flow hemodynamics. I was attracted to this field for the reason just stated and because of the versatility of the procedures and the wide range of techniques available, which allow treatment to be tailored precisely to each individual patient. This ability to personalize makes phlebology scientifically interesting and clinically rewarding.
How do you see the future evolution of phlebology and what role do you think technology and innovation will play in this evolution?
The evolution of phlebology is ongoing. I foresee the development of new devices and technologies that will further reduce the impact of treatment on patients while continuing to improve clinical outcomes. Innovation will remain key to promoting less invasive, more precise, and increasingly patient-centered approaches to vein care. I have patented a device for treating saphenous veins without anesthesia, using laser, mechanical, and chemical technologies, and I have also filed a patent for a very promising sclerosing foam manufacturer.
