The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC), held in Denver, Colorado, from 12–14 September 2024, was a testament to the growing momentum in the fields of neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care. This year’s meeting brought together leading experts and trainees from across the globe to exchange knowledge, showcase cutting-edge research, and participate in hands-on learning. The event exemplified SNACC’s commitment to fostering academic and clinical excellence through collaboration. The key highlights of the meeting were:

• The SNACC meeting opened with the highly anticipated International Council on Perioperative Neuroscience Training (ICPNT) Master Class, which was sold out well before the meeting. Designed for both practicing neuroanesthesiologists and trainees, the session covered essential procedural skills and neuroanesthesia competencies. Chanhung Lee, Val Luoma, Shobana Rajan, and Deepak Sharma moderated the master class, which covered topics such as regional anesthesia for neurosurgery, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and EEG monitoring. The Master Class equipped participants with practical knowledge to improve patient outcomes in neurosurgery.

 

• Four interesting Problem-Based Learning Discussions (PBLD) finalized by the education committee, such as ‘Perioperative management of neurologic stimulators during non-neurologic surgery’ moderated by Dr. Jacqueline Morano and Dr. Jamie Ujeima, ‘Intraoperative loss of neuromonitoring signals: troubleshooting tips’ moderated by Dr. Shilpa Rao; Challenging awake craniotomy moderated by Dr. Vikas Chauhan and Dr. Maya Milkami; and ‘Management of traumatic brain injury’ moderated by Dr. Ashish Bindra, were conducted. The PBLDs provided interactive learning experiences for the attendees.

 

• The Maurice Albin Keynote Lecture, delivered by Dr. Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic, was one of the standout sessions of the conference. Her lecture, titled “The effects of general anesthesia on brain development—a summary update,” provided a deep dive into the current understanding of how anesthetic agents impact brain development in pediatric populations. Dr. Jevtovic-Todorovic shared cutting-edge research on the neurodevelopmental risks associated with early exposure to anesthesia and offered guidance on mitigating these risks in clinical practice. This session sparked thought-provoking discussions among attendees, many of whom left with new perspectives on pediatric anesthesia.

 

• The WINNER (Women in Neuroanesthesia Education and Research) session focused on women’s contributions to neuroanesthesia and perioperative neurosciences. Dr. Aviva Abosch delivered an inspiring presentation on her journey in U.S. neurosurgery and neuroscience, encouraging greater participation of women in leadership roles. The session underscored the importance of mentorship and advocacy in advancing gender equality within the specialty.

 

• The Neuroscience Symposium on Emerging Research on Psychedelics—Neuroscience of Mind-Altering Substances with Mental Health and Substance Use Applicationswas an engaging symposium that explored the intersection of neuroscience and mental health through the lens of psychedelic research. Moderated by Dr. Susana Vacas, the session featured talks from experts like Dr. Boris Heifets and Dr. Zirul Huang on the therapeutic applications of psychedelics in psychiatric disorders. The panel discussed emerging data on the use of classical and non-classical psychedelics in treating conditions like depression and substance use disorders. Attendees gained valuable insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these treatments and the future of psychedelics in clinical practice.

 

• In the General Session on Stroke Thrombectomy—Pushing the Envelope Together, we explored the evolving landscape of stroke thrombectomy. Experts such as Dr. Dileep Yavagal and Dr. Deepak Sharma discussed the role of anesthesiologists in optimizing stroke care. With a focus on multidisciplinary teamwork, the session underscored how collaboration between anesthesiologists, neurologists, and interventionalists can significantly enhance patient outcomes. In the Advances in the Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage session, the experts presented the latest innovations in treating subarachnoid hemorrhage, addressing acute management strategies and long-term rehabilitation. Dr. Ugan Reddy and Dr. Hemant Bhagat provided detailed updates on critical care protocols, anesthetic management, and interventional therapies that have improved survival rates and functional recovery. In the session on Anesthetic Sensitivity, Susan Vacas and Dr. Max Kelz elaborated onhow age and sex differences impact anesthetic sensitivity, respectively. The second program started with ‘Training in Neuroanesthesia’ by Dr Andrew Kofke and Research Priorities in Neuroanesthesia by Dr Alana Flexmann. Dr. Ib Adebegue and Dr. Jason Chui discussed Recent advances in functional neurosurgery and intraoperative brain mapping. Dr. Lauren Dunn, Dr.  Sidhharth Chavali, and Dr. Sriganesh Kamath highlighted advances in Pain management. Dr. Arnoley Abcejo mentioned applications for remimazolam for neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care. Dr.  Veerle De Sloovere discussed Anticoagulation Management and Reversal in Neurosurgical and Neurointerventional Patients. There was an exciting pro-con session on scalp block for routine craniotomy, with Dr. Elisabeth Abramowicz taking in favor and Dr. Alex Bekker against the motion.

The meeting also celebrated the achievements (research awards and recognitions) of researchers and clinicians who have made significant contributions to the field. During the business meeting, the Nomination Committee Chair, Dr. Alana Flexman, recognized Dr. Martin Smith as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. The SNACC Research Awards recognizes excellence in clinical and basic science, with awards for promising early-career investigators. Dr. Bryan Benson received the prestigious William L. Young Neuroscience Research Award, and the John D. Michenfelder New Investigator Award went to Dr. Andrzej Wasilczuk. Joint Society Abstract Awards with the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) and the Canadian Anesthesiologists Society (CAS) were received by Dr. Alex Bak. Dr. Kirandeep Kaur received the joint society abstract award with the Indian Society of Neuroanesthesiology and Critical Care, and Dr. Christina Besi received the joint society abstract award with the Neuroanesthesia and Neuro Critical Care Society (NACCS) of Great Britain and Ireland.

The SNACC 2024 ended with closing remarks from the incoming President, Dr. Ines Koerner, who emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in advancing neuroanesthesia and critical care. The annual meeting reaffirmed SNACC’s role as a leader in fostering the growth of neuroscience in anesthesiology, leaving attendees inspired and motivated for the year ahead.

SNACC 2025 at Atlanta is already on the horizon, and the society looks forward to building on this year’s conference’s success with new opportunities for learning and collaboration.

A huge thank you to our meeting planning committee, the SNACC board of directors, and all those who contributed content to our meeting. We also recognize the contribution of our sponsors to this event, and we offer a big thank you to all who visited the exhibits.