The Department of Interventional Pulmonology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, has reached a significant milestone by successfully performing over 3000 complex rigid bronchoscopic airway procedures, reaffirming its leadership in advanced pulmonary care in India.
Established in 2017 under the leadership of Dr. Tinku Joseph, the department has consistently advanced the field of airway and pleural interventions. The launch of Amrita Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology (ABIP), India’s first exclusive interventional pulmonology service, marked a transformative step in the management of complex airway disorders.
Over the years, the department has carried out numerous high-risk, life-saving procedures and introduced several pioneering innovations. These include the world’s first transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in infants for the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD), India’s first airway stenting in a newborn for congenital airway stenosis, and the first tracheo-bronchial ablation procedure for excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) in the country.
In collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, the department also contributed to India’s first allogenic tracheal transplant and was among the first centres in the country to perform biodegradable airway stenting for post-tuberculosis bronchial stenosis. The establishment of India’s second advanced bronchoscopy simulation centre further underscores its commitment to innovation and training.
Beyond clinical excellence, the department remains a leader in education and capacity building. Its Advanced Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship Programme, the first of its kind in India, has trained over 50 pulmonologists from across the country and abroad in complex airway interventions.
With a strong focus on innovation, precision, and compassionate care, the Interventional Pulmonology team at Amrita Hospital continues to redefine standards in airway management, offering hope and advanced treatment options to patients with complex pulmonary conditions.
