The conference was organized to provide a core knowledge exchange platform for distinguished cardiologists and Pulmonologists from around the globe to highlight the latest advancements and updates in the field of heart and lung diseases. Cardiac diseases and lung obstructions are the two top causes accounting for over one-third of deaths in India. According to the “2016 Global Burden of Disease Report”, released on 15th September 2017, heart diseases are still the leading cause of death, killing 1.7 million Indians in the year 2016. Advanced Lung Failure and reaching End Stage Lung Disease is a growing menace in India. A failing lung has effects on all other organs and it is no longer possible for a single doctor to comprehensively provide adequate health care. This conference shall stress the need and importance of multi-disciplinary team approach in looking after these sick patients.
Inaugurating the one-day symposium Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized, “The need of the hour is to have a robust scientific approach to identify the Challenges prevalent in India in dealing with the patients affected with cardiac and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). This conference is an ideal platform to discuss and debate about the terms of diagnosis, therapy, physical and respiratory rehabilitation. Together we all are here to work and strengthen India’s health system to reach national and international goals. This collaborative effort by Society for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease and Apollo Hospitals will be a step towards culminating a permanent solution to the increasing Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) cases in our country.”
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a type of lung disease that results in damage and scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs, making it extremely difficult for the patient to breathe. The event led by Apollo Hospitals seeks to fulfil the need of practicing pulmonologists, primary care physicians, advanced-practice providers, and allied health care practitioners in the academic and community settings to achieve an accurate diagnosis and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with interstitial lung disease. A team of multidisciplinary experts addressed the common challenges in radiographic interpretation, diagnostic testing and classification, and disease management.
The goal of the symposium was to improve the delivery of early appropriate, and comprehensive care to the patient with the interstitial lung disease. An overview of lung transplantation and appropriate referral of patients, management of advanced obstructive lung disease, appropriately identifying candidates for lung volume reduction surgery, management strategies of advanced interstitial lung disease, and advances in treatment for pulmonary hypertension were discussed.
Apollo Hospitals’ Achievements in Lung Transplantation
- Largest number of combined heart and lung transplants in India
- 2nd oldest recipient of a heart and lung transplant in the world at age 67 (currently 3 and half years post-transplant)
- Oldest successful lung transplant (aged 72) in India
- 2nd reported case in the world of Double Lung Transplantation for Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome
- First successful bridge to heart transplant (LVAD – heart transplant) in India
- 1st reported case of En bloc heart and liver in Asia
- India’s first heart and lung transplant for Katageners syndrome
