From April 17 to 19, 2024, the 8th World Congress on Vascular Access (WoCoVA) was held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, organized by the Global Vascular Access Network (GloVANet). The congress attracted 1,035 vascular access experts from 66 countries around the world. Professor Zhang Xiaoxia from the Department of Head and Neck Oncology of West China Hospital was invited to attend and delivered a speech, showcasing the latest research achievements in the field of vascular access at WCH.

In her presentation, Professor Zhang detailed the diagnostic process, imaging characteristics, and prognosis of two rare cases of central venous catheters misplaced into the middle thyroid and thymic veins. Her research findings were highly praised by experts at the congress. Additionally, Professor Zhang engaged in in-depth exchanges with international peers, exploring opportunities for collaboration to enhance the international influence of our hospital in the field of vascular access research.

As a biennial international, multidisciplinary event, WoCoVA aims to raise global awareness of vascular access safety, establish quality standards and expert consensus for vascular channels, and promote the development of education, training, and research, with the ultimate goal of improving the treatment and care outcomes for patients worldwide.