The first chapter of SnoozeCon 2024, conducted on May 05, 2024 was an extraordinary gathering of 116 dedicated delegates from across the medical spectrum, including ENT specialists, dentists, and pulmonologists, all united by a shared interest in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) management. The event, which I had the privilege of being part of the organizing team, brought together 116 delegates, including ENT specialists, dental professionals, and pulmonologists, eager to deepen their understanding of sleep-disordered breathing and its surgical solutions.
Organized in collaboration with Al Azhar Medical College, the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea (IASSA), AOI Malanadu, and United Medical Mission, SnoozeCon 2024 was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world clinical application. Set in the serene hills of Thodupuzha, this conference provided an immersive platform for participants to gain invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of OSA treatment.
With a full-house audience from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, the conference delivered an engaging mix of scientific discussions, surgical masterclasses, and practical demonstrations, making it an enriching experience for all attendees.
Scientific Highlights: From Theory to Practice
The conference opened with an insightful talk by Dr. Davis Thomas Pulimoottil, who set the tone with “Unveiling the Sleep Symphony,” an engaging overview of sleep physiology and the spectrum of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs).
Following this, Dr. Renuka Balu presented “Navigating the Night,” offering a structured approach to clinical evaluation in OSA, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive patient assessment before planning treatment.
Key Sessions & Takeaways from SnoozeCon 2024
🔹 Dr. Saud Ahamed – “Breath of Life: Exploring PAP Therapy for OSA”
✅ Discussed optimal CPAP and BiPAP settings for different OSA severities
✅ Addressed compliance challenges and patient adaptation strategies
🔹 Dr. Seemab Shaikh – “Decoding Sleep: Decision Making & Surgical Planning in OSA”
✅ Highlighted a stepwise approach to selecting surgical interventions
✅ Stressed the importance of patient-specific anatomical and functional assessments
🔹 Dr. Sanu P Moideen – “Breath of Fresh Air: Prephase Nasal Surgeries in OSA”
✅ Emphasized the role of nasal surgery as an adjunct to multilevel OSA treatment
✅ Shared insights on minimally invasive techniques for airway optimization
🔹 Dr. Srinivas Kishore Sistla – “Palate Pleasantries: Multilevel Surgery for OSA”
✅ Discussed the latest advancements in palatal surgeries and their impact on OSA severity
✅ Provided a comparative analysis of surgical techniques such as UPPP, Barbed Snore Surgery, and Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty
🔹 Dr. Seemab Shaikh – “Master Class: Fiberoptic Scope & Müller’s Maneuver”
✅ Explained the importance of dynamic airway assessment in OSA surgery planning
✅ Provided a live demonstration of Müller’s Maneuver to assess upper airway collapse
🔹 Dr. Saud Ahamed – “Master Class: How to Interpret a Sleep Study”
✅ Simplified the scoring and analysis of polysomnography and home sleep apnea testing (HSAT)
✅ Discussed clinical correlations between sleep study findings and surgical decision-making
🔹 Dr. Sukhvinder Bindra – “Master Class: DOME, SARME, RME: Transformative Surgeries in OSA”
✅ Provided a detailed overview of skeletal expansion techniques for severe OSA
✅ Highlighted the role of distraction osteogenesis and rapid maxillary expansion in improving airway space
🔹 Dr. Anu Vijayan – “Maximizing Spaces: MMA & Mandibular Devices”
✅ Reviewed mandibular advancement techniques and their effectiveness in OSA treatment
✅ Discussed how to select the right candidates for Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
🔹 Dr. Srinivas Kishore Sistla – “Childhood Dreams: Pediatric OSA Explorations”
✅ Addressed the differences between pediatric and adult OSA management
✅ Emphasized the importance of early intervention in craniofacial development and airway function
🔹 Dr. Joby Peter – “Shut Your Mouth: A Proactive Approach to Preventing OSA”
✅ Highlighted the importance of myofunctional therapy and lifestyle modifications
✅ Discussed strategies for early OSA prevention, particularly in high-risk populations
🔹 Dr. Saud Ahamed – “Innovations in the Night: Recent Advances in OSA Management”
✅ Explored newer treatment modalities, including hypoglossal nerve stimulation and emerging surgical techniques
✅ Provided a glimpse into the future of personalized OSA management
Masterclasses & Practical Hands-On Sessions
A major highlight of the conference was the interactive masterclasses, where delegates had the opportunity to experience:
✅ DISE Protocols & VOTE Scoring – Understanding airway behavior under sedation (Dr. Srinivas Kishore Sistla)
✅ Fiberoptic Scope & Müller’s Maneuver Demo – Real-time evaluation of airway collapse (Dr. Seemab Shaikh)
✅ PAP Devices, Mandibular Splints, and RME – A comparative look at different therapeutic approaches
SnoozeCon 2024 was an Interactive Learning Experience
One of the defining aspects of SnoozeCon 2024 was the one-on-one interactions with national faculties. Delegates had the rare opportunity to discuss complex cases, gain practical insights, and clarify surgical nuances directly from some of the most experienced professionals in the field. The engagement and enthusiasm of both faculty and attendees created an environment of continuous learning and collaborative growth.
Beyond the Science: A Cultural & Culinary Delight
The conference was not just about academics—it was a holistic experience. The scenic venue provided the perfect backdrop for intellectual discussions, while the authentic Kerala cuisine served during lunch and tea breaks became a talking point in itself. Delegates enjoyed a taste of local flavors, adding to the charm of the event.
Unanimous Appreciation & Plans for the Future
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both delegates and faculty reinforced the impact of this initiative. The dedicated and passionate faculty delivered a wealth of knowledge, ensuring that every participant left with new insights and enhanced clinical skills.
With the success of SnoozeCon 2024, we are now looking forward to SnoozeCon 2025, which will be entirely dedicated to surgical techniques under the theme “How I Do It?” – a hands-on, step-by-step guide to sleep apnea surgeries.
Stay tuned for more details as we build on this momentum to further advance the field of sleep surgery!