Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnoea (IASSA)

IASSA, established in Chennai in 2012, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, research, and clinical excellence in the management and surgical treatment of sleep apnoea. The association aims to promote awareness of sleep-disordered breathing and provide a platform for the exchange of expertise among professionals across India and the globe. Dr. Vijaya Krishnan 

 

Our History and Milestones

Founded by visionaries including Prof. Mohan Kameswaran, Prof. E.C. Vinaya Kumar and Prof. Deenadayal DS, and spearheaded by key members like Dr. Seemab Shaikh (Founder President), Dr. P. Vijaya Krishnan (Founder Secretary), and Dr. Gowri Shankar (Founder Treasurer), IASSA has grown to become a pivotal force in sleep apnoea education and research. Later 

 

The journey of IASSA is marked by its successful annual conferences, each reflecting the progress and dedication of the association:

1. IASSACON2013 (Chennai): The inaugural conference featured 3 International faculty, setting the tone for excellence in collaborative knowledge-sharing.

2. IASSACON2014 (Calicut): Continued the momentum, bringing together national and international experts.

3. IASSACON2015 (Hyderabad): Witnessed growing participation and enriched discussions.

4. IASSACON2016 (Mumbai): Explored cutting-edge advancements in sleep apnoea management.

5. IASSACON2017 (Delhi): Marked a significant step forward in fostering multidisciplinary approaches.

6. IASSACON2018 (Puducherry): Focused on integrating research into practice.

7. IASSACON2019 (Chandigarh): Emphasized the importance of regional collaboration.

8. IASSACON2022 (Kolkata): Restarted post-pandemic with renewed vigor.

9. IASSACON2023 (Hyderabad): Witnessed record-breaking attendance and insights.

10. IASSACON2024 (Chennai): A milestone 10th-Anniversary event, celebrating a decade of progress.

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COVID-19 Initiatives

During the pandemic, IASSA adapted by launching the IASSA Classroom, conducting a series of online webinars with national and international faculty. These sessions ensured continued education and interaction for the sleep surgery community.

 

Our Programs and Initiatives

IASSA is deeply committed to education and skill development, regularly organizing:

• Certified Training Program (CTP): A two-month comprehensive course designed for ENT surgeons focusing on sleep surgery. This program, conducted at accredited centers, equips participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

• Live Surgical Workshops and Cadaver Dissection Courses: Held regularly to provide hands-on training in the latest surgical techniques.

• Mid-Term OSACON Courses: These are specialized workshops conducted in various cities, led by our governing body members, aimed at disseminating knowledge and skills to a wider audience.

• Standardized Surgery Consent Form for Sleep Surgeries: Developed to ensure ethical and informed decision-making in surgical practices.

• Guidelines for Adult OSAS Management: IASSA has released comprehensive guidelines to standardize the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) in adults. These guidelines serve as a critical resource for clinicians, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and best practices.

 

Current office bearers

The present office bearers of IASSA comprises of distinguished professionals dedicated to advancing the field of sleep apnoea surgery:

• President : Dr. P. Vijaya Krishnan, Chennai

• Secretary : Dr. Dipankar Datta, Kolkata

• Treasurer : Dr. D. Vidyasagar, Telangana

 

The Governing Body also includes esteemed members such as Dr. Ranjini Raghavan, Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Dr. Navin K. Patel, Dr. Rahul Modi, Dr. Atul Pore, and Dr. Susan Sebastian. The Advisory Committee features experts like Dr. Devinder Rai and Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva, while the Editorial Board includes Dr. P.S.N. Murthy and Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy.

 

IASSA's past presidents have played pivotal roles in shaping the association's direction and impact:

• Dr. Seemab Shaikh (2012–2014)

• Dr. Vikas Agrawal (2014–2016)

• Dr. Srinivas Kishore (2016–2018)

• Dr. Vidyasagar R (2018–2022)

 

Through these initiatives and leadership, IASSA continues to lead efforts in improving sleep health, advancing surgical practices, and fostering collaboration among professionals dedicated to combating sleep apnoea.

 

Vision and Collaboration

IASSA is affiliated with the World Sleep Society, underscoring our commitment to global standards in sleep medicine. By connecting with sleep societies worldwide, we aim to bring international expertise and research to the Indian context.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to bridge the gap between awareness and action in sleep health. Sleep apnoea and related disorders, often overlooked, have a profound impact on quality of life and overall health. Through our conferences, workshops, and programs, we strive to:

• Enhance the understanding of sleep-disordered breathing.

• Foster collaboration among surgeons, researchers, and clinicians.

• Equip healthcare professionals with the skills to combat these disorders effectively.

 

A Decade of Progress

As IASSA marks its 10th anniversary with IASSACON2024 in Chennai, the association looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence in sleep apnoea management. Join us in shaping the future of sleep health.