Global pulmonology experts will converge on Chicago later this month at the 6^th annual conference of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP) to share the latest research and advancements in the field.

The group’s annual gathering will feature lectures on essential topics, hands-on training sessions and the highest number of abstract and case submissions AABIP has ever seen.

Topics include bronchoscopic treatment for COPD and emphysema, building and sustaining a successful IP research program, and optimizing yield in peripheral bronchoscopy. Robotic bronchoscopy and cryotechnology also will be highlighted during the three-day event.

AABIP takes place August 24-26 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

Revolutionizing ‘How We Do Surgery’

AABIP Keynote Speaker Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku will kick off the conference with a talk entitled “Ultra-minimally Invasive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Early-Stage Lung Cancer.” A renowned thoracic surgeon, Yasufuku is head of the division of thoracic surgery at University of Toronto.

Yasufuku co-developed the Convex Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound, in collaboration with Olympus, and successfully introduced the clinical application of EBUS-TBNA in thoracic oncology. 

Yasufuku — the first surgeon in Canada to conduct a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy — considers robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to be the next evolution in the fight against lung cancer, he recently told the Sprott Department of Surgery magazine.

Yasufuku uses a controller similar to that of an Xbox to conduct the surgeries, which require careful exploration of the labyrinth of branches that make up the lungs.

The system “is actually kind of fun,” to use, he told the magazine. “It’s a lot like playing a game.”

It’s just that this game uses a minimally invasive procedure to save lives and to offer relief to palliative patients and extend their lives, according to experts. Because the procedure does not take years to master, greater numbers of surgeons can treat higher numbers of patients.

“The robot has really revolutionized how we do surgery,” Yasufuku told Sprott.

Where Does Gender Equality Stand in IP?

Results of a worldwide survey just published in Respiration found that men and women are nearly equally involved in interventional pulmonology, especially in female-led bronchoscopy units. Still, leading positions and academic awards are predominantly held by men, the survey showed.

The online survey was sent to pulmonologists internationally between July and December 2022. Included in the study were responses from 92 physicians representing 47 hospitals across 17 countries.

One of the events at this year’s AABIP conference is a networking session hosted by Women in Interventional Pulmonology (WIIP).

That organization, created to foster a supportive and nurturing environment of mentorship to members in the field, works to define opportunities for collaboration in education, research, career and leadership development while promoting personal and professional well-being.

As part of WIIP’s activities at AABIP, Dr. Archana Shrestha is scheduled to give a presentation called, "Bye-Bye Buffering: How to Stop Turning to Food, Wine or Netflix to Neutralize Stress.”

A board-certified emergency physician, Shrestha also is a life and weight coach, bestselling author, speaker and entrepreneur. She is cofounder and chief wellness officer of Women in White Coats, a multimedia lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women doctors through courses, conferences and coaching.