India’s First Complex Airway Symposium Held at Amrita Hospital

KOCHI:
The Amrita Complex Airway Symposium, the first-of-its-kind initiative in India focusing on advanced airway management, was held at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. The symposium brought together leading experts from multiple specialties to discuss new approaches in the management of complex airway disorders.

The symposium focused on effectively managing critical conditions such as airway obstruction, ECMO-supported respiratory care, and airway abnormalities in newborns. Experts shared safe and practical strategies related to oxygenation, ventilation, and anesthesia.

Advanced technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), and virtual bronchoscopy were demonstrated to help better understand complex airway conditions. In addition, simulation-based sessions were conducted under expert supervision to provide hands-on training in bronchoscopy and advanced airway management devices. The symposium also presented clear guidelines on ensuring safe oxygenation and anesthesia during both surgical and non-surgical management of patients with complex airway disorders. Recognizing its academic excellence and innovative approach, the Kerala State Medical Council awarded the symposium two credit points. Hospital authorities stated that the initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing knowledge and collaboration in airway management.

The symposium was inaugurated with prayer by Swamini Karunamrita Prana. Dr. K.V. Beena, Additional Medical Superintendent, Amrita Hospital; Dr. Thushara Madhathil, Head of Cardiac Anesthesia; Dr. Sreelakshmi, Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia Specialist; Dr. Praveen Kumar Neema, renowned senior cardiac anesthetist, Past President of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (IACTA) and former Editor-in-Chief of Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia; Dr. Rakhi B., senior pediatric cardiac anesthetist and mentor; Dr. Jerry Paul, senior difficult airway specialist; and Dr. Rekha, senior solid organ transplant anesthetist, were present.

The panel discussions found inputs from interventional pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, cardio thoracic anesthesiologists, ENT surgeons, paediatric cardiac surgeons and critical care specialists.