Conference: CHEST Annual Meeting 2019, October 12–23, New Orleans, Louisiana
Conference highlight: CHEST 2019 focused on the development and implementation of novel technologies to advance lung surgery, chest medicine and patient care.
Conference Summary: The American College of Chest Physicians committee held CHEST 2019 from Saturday, October 19, through Wednesday, October 23, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The meeting focused on novel bronchoscopy technology, advanced critical care for pulmonary diseases and innovative airway management devices. The conference was open to the public and hosted approximately 5000 attendees. During the conference, attendees shared experiences, opinions, thoughts and suggestions across more than 400 sessions, including simulations and interactive learning opportunities.
The keynote speaker was Patrick Schwerdtfeger, who is well known for his publications about technology, disruptive innovation and global business trends. At CHEST, he spoke about disruptive innovation (a type of innovation that disrupts an existing business model) and why it is important to embrace accelerated change. During his keynote speech, Schwerdtfeger touched on emerging technologies that he sees as currently transforming health care, including “distance medicine.” With increased access to video screens, mobile phones and tablets, it is easier for doctors in one location to treat patients in other locations. Personalized medicine, machine learning, 3D printing, augmented and virtual reality, and robotic surgery/bronchoscopy are just some of the technologies that Schwerdtfeger discussed.
In 2019, pulmonary physicians started to welcome technologies like robotic surgery, robotic bronchoscopy, 3D printing and virtual reality that could lead to improved patient care. CHEST 2019 provides a platform for attendees to share their knowledge within these new areas. Furthermore, new diagnostic and treatment solutions, such as a robotic bronchoscope and an electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy system were also shown in the CHEST Exhibit Hall. Attendees were provided the chance to try out these future technologies.