Institute leads interventional bronchoscopy masterclass
Associate Professor Rajesh Thomas from the Institute for Respiratory Health recently led an exciting three-day interventional bronchoscopy masterclass in Perth, featuring esteemed international guest speaker, Professor Kazuhiro Yasufuku from Canada.
Held in collaboration with the Interventional Bronchoscopy Unit at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), it was the first bronchoscopy training event of its kind to be held in Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global bronchoscopy experts, including Professor Yasufuku, delivered the training. Professor Yasufuku is an acclaimed expert in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation. His pioneering research has led to cutting-edge, minimally invasive methods for diagnosing and treating thoracic malignancies.
The masterclass centred around endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopy and other complex interventions like rigid bronchoscopy, airway stenting and tumour removal. The dynamic curriculum included more than 20 hours of interesting lectures, interactive group talks and hands-on training.
It wrapped up with a dinner symposium on ‘Lung Volume Reduction for Severe Emphysema’, which was packed to capacity with respiratory experts and equally well attended online by specialists from across Australia and New Zealand.
Associate Professor Thomas was delighted at the overwhelming positive feedback from attendees. He said, “This is the largest and most comprehensive advanced bronchoscopy masterclass to be held in the country. I would love to run it annually to improve bronchoscopic safety and patient outcomes in clinical practice.
“From the feedback, attendees had a truly educational and stimulating experience; they also got the chance to network with colleagues and have some fun.
“I am proud of everyone involved who worked very hard to deliver an outstanding event, with some great outcomes.”
The masterclass reinforces the Institute’s and SCGH’s Interventional Bronchoscopy Unit as leaders in respiratory health and as a hub for excellence in bronchoscopy training.