ISNACC 2025: Bridging Science, Skill, and Synergy in Neuroanaesthesia

The 26th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care (ISNACC 2025) was held from January 23rd to 26th, 2025, in Trivandrum, Kerala. Organised by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), this landmark event brought together over 600 delegates and faculty from India and abroad under the theme:
“Synapses to Survival – Navigating the Neuroverse.”

Over four days, the conference showcased the latest advancements in neuroanaesthesia and critical care, blending clinical expertise with cutting-edge research. The scientific program included keynote addresses, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and postgraduate symposiums, making it one of the most dynamic events in ISNACC’s history.

Day 1: Pre-Conference Workshops and Honours
The conference opened with pre-conference workshops, which provided in-depth training on:

• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
• Transcranial Doppler and Brain Ultrasound (TCD)
• Focus-Assisted Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE)
• Regional Anaesthesia and Airway Management
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Simulation-based TCI and Depth of Anaesthesia Monitoring

A landmark full-day workshop on Brain Death Certification, conducted in collaboration with Kerala’s State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO), marked the first government-accredited program certifying participants to join brain death certification teams.

The day concluded with a faculty dinner where Dr. R.C. Rathod, Senior Professor and former Head of Anaesthesiology and Neuroanaesthesia at SCTIMST, was honoured for his lifetime contributions to the specialty.

Figure 1. Day 1 the conference. Inauguration ceremony featuring esteemed dignitaries and the cultural programme showcasing god’s-own-country’s unique art forms.

Day 2: Scientific Exchange and Cultural Celebration

Day 2 commenced with a welcome address by Organising Secretary Dr. Ajay Prasad Hrishi. The sessions were highly informative, particularly those on stroke, which included discussions on recent trials by Dr Ankur Khandelwal, anaesthetic choices for endovascular therapy by Dr Tumul Chowdhury, and goal-directed bundle management of intracerebral haemorrhage by Dr Sweetha Sussane Mohan. A thought-provoking panel discussion on a multidisciplinary approach to acute stroke management, moderated by Dr Ponniah Vanamoorthy, also captured the audience’s attention.

The inaugural ISNACC Oration was delivered by Senapathy ‘Kris’ Gopalakrishnan, President of SCTIMST and Infosys Co-founder, setting a tone of innovation and collaboration. The inaugural ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Avittam Thirunal Aditya Varma, Divya S. Iyer(Managing Director, Vizhinjam Seaport), and Dr. V. Bhadrinarayan, President of ISNACC. In the evening, delegates enjoyed a cultural programme showcasing Kerala’s rich heritage, including Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, Kathakali, Theyyam, and fusion performances.

Figure 2. The SNACC panel and the Harry Potter themed quiz.

Day 3: Innovation, Education, and Engagement

The third day focused on modern innovations, with parallel sessions covering:

• Neuroimaging for neuroanaesthetists
• Perioperative and postoperative neurological care
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Awake craniotomy and spinal surgery advances
• EEG-based intraoperative monitoring

A panel of SNACC members compared global and Indian neuroanaesthesia practices. Notable talks included:

• Protocol-based care by Dr. Letha Mathews
• Social determinants of outcomes by Dr. Maria Bustillo
• Future of neuroanaesthesia education by Dr. Marie Angele Thread

A standout session was “Hunt for Young Wizards,” a Harry Potter-themed quiz designed by Dr. Sangeetha RP, Dr. Kaustav Dutta, and Dr. Priya Thappa, which celebrated emerging neuroanaesthesia talent across India. The day concluded with a gala dinner at the Kovalam Beach, featuring music, dance, and networking under the stars.

Day 4: Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

The final day began with the Dr. V.K. Grower Award Presentations, providing a platform for junior residents and young researchers to share original work. Best paper and poster presentations were honoured during the closing ceremony.

A special convocation ceremony celebrated the graduation of the Academy of Neuroanaesthesiology and Neurocritical Care. Following the general body meeting, the baton was officially passed to the incoming ISNACC team. The conference concluded with a traditional Kerala Sadya, a banana-leaf vegetarian feast, followed by a valedictory session and prize distribution, celebrating the hard work and success of the organizing team.

Figure 3. The organising team of the conference led by Dr. Manikandan.S (Professor and Head, Division of Neuroanaesthesia and Critical Care, SCTIMST), the Organizing Chairman.

Looking Forward
The ISNACC 2025 team extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees, faculty, and collaborators for making the event a grand success. We wish the team at AIIMS Nagpur, Maharashtra the very best for ISNACC 2026 and look forward to yet another year of learning, innovation, and camaraderie in the field of Neuroanaesthesiology.