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PULMONARY MEDICINE

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  2. Departments
  3. Pulmonary Medicine

Overview

The department of Pulmonary Medicine, AMALA IMS, deals with the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure of respiratory diseases.  The Pulmonologists at Amala specialize in COPD, Asthma, Sleep Apnoea, Lung Cancer, Chronic Ventilatory Failure and so on. The department was established almost two decades ago. 

There are regular Out-Patient (OPD) services from Monday to Saturday, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Facilities

  • EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound)
  • Electrocautery
  • Tracheo Bronchial Stending
  • EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound)
  • Pleurodesis
  • CT & usg Guided Lung Biopsy /Catheter Drainage
  • Spirometry
  • DLCO
  • Allergy Skin testing
  • Smoking Cessation Clinic
  • DOTS Center
  • Critical Care Unit With Invasive & non invasive Ventilators and Central Monitors
  • SLEEP STUDY (Polysomnogram Level-1)/ TITRATION STUDIES/ MSLT/ HSAT.

Services

It is a common test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale. Spirometry is used to diagnose Asthma, COPD and other conditions that affect breathing.

DLCO (Diffusion Capacity of Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (CO) is measured using small volumes of Carbon Monoxide (CO), and measures the transfer of CO across the alveolar-capillary membrane. DLCO can assist in identification, assessment of wide range of disease processes affecting lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vascular bed.

A sleep study is a non-invasive overnight exam that allows doctors to monitor you while you sleep, to see what’s happening in your brain and body. For this test, you will go to a sleep lab that is set up for overnight stay.

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) and Bronchoscope is minimally invasive, but effective procedure used to diagnose lung cancer, infections and other diseases causing enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. The department of Pulmonology at AMALA IMS has done over 3000 Bronchoscopies till date.

Medical Thoracoscopy/ Pleuroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows access to pleural space using a combination of viewing and working instruments. It also allows for basic diagnostic (undiagnosed pleural fluid or pleural thickening) and therapeutic procedures (Adhesiolysis or Pleurodoesis) to be performed safely. The department has done over 900 Thoracoscopies.

The department is also equipped with Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU), which are specialized areas for monitoring and treating patients suffering from acute respiratory failure, originally caused by respiratory disease, and/or by acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory failure.

There are regular Out-Patient (OPD) services from Monday to Saturday, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Forced oscillometry is a technique used in pulmonary medicine to measure the mechanical properties of the lungs and airways, such as their resistance and reactance. It involves sending small oscillations through the respiratory system and analyzing how these oscillations are dampened and modified as they travel through the respiratory system. Forced oscillometry can provide valuable information about lung function, including airway resistance, lung stiffness, and other parameters.

It is a comprehensive diagnostic test that evaluates the function of both the heart and lungs during physical activity. The test is used to assess a person's aerobic capacity, the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and how well they work together during exercise.

It is a specialized test used to measure the volume of air in the lungs and assess lung function, specifically lung volumes and airway resistance. The test is performed in a sealed chamber, often referred to as the "body box," where the patient sits inside while breathing through a mouthpiece.

The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple and widely used clinical test to assess a person's functional exercise capacity and endurance. It measures how far a person can walk in six minutes on a flat, hard surface, typically indoors or in a hallway. The test is often used to evaluate the overall health and fitness of individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or other chronic conditions.

FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL - Bronchoscopic foreign body removal is a procedure where a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is used to visualize and remove foreign objects from the airways, either through a flexible or rigid bronchoscope, depending on the location and nature of the object

CRYOBIOPSY - Bronchoscopic cryobiopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where a flexible cryoprobe is inserted through a bronchoscope to freeze and obtain a lung tissue sample for diagnosis, particularly useful for diffuse parenchymal lung diseases.

APC - Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a non-contact thermal ablation technique used during bronchoscopy to treat conditions like airway tumors, bleeding, and airway obstruction, by using ionized argon gas to coagulate and cauterize tissue.

ELECTROCAUTERY - Bronchoscopic electrocautery is a procedure that uses high-frequency electrical current to coagulate, vaporize, or cut tissue within the airways, often used to treat or palliate conditions like airway obstruction or bleeding during bronchoscopy.

RIGID BRONCHOSCOPY - Rigid bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a straight, rigid tube is inserted into the airways to visualize and treat conditions of the trachea and proximal bronchi, often used for airway obstruction or interventional procedures.

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure to remove fluid from the space around the lungs (pleural space) using a needle, primarily to diagnose or treat pleural effusions, which are collections of excess fluid in that space. Pleural catheterisation can be done to ensure continuous drainage of pleural fluid.

Indwelling pleural catheterization involves inserting a small, flexible tube (a catheter) into the pleural space (the space between the lungs and chest wall) to drain fluid, particularly in cases of recurrent or malignant pleural effusions, allowing for safe and effective fluid management at home.

A skin prick test, is a common allergy test where a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on the skin, then lightly pricked or scratched to see if a reaction, like a raised, itchy bump (wheal), develops.

Our department is well equipped for critical care including Respiratory ICU, High dependency unit, ECMO

We conduct specialty clinics for screening and diagnosis of specific respiratory conditions. We have specialty clinics for COPD, Asthma, TB, Allergy and Tobacco cessation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program of exercise, education, and support designed to help people with chronic lung diseases manage their symptoms, improve their ability to function, and enhance their quality of life.

Forced oscillometry is a technique used in pulmonary medicine to measure the mechanical properties of the lungs and airways, such as their resistance and reactance. It involves sending small oscillations through the respiratory system and analyzing how these oscillations are dampened and modified as they travel through the respiratory system. Forced oscillometry can provide valuable information about lung function, including airway resistance, lung stiffness, and other parameters.

It is a comprehensive diagnostic test that evaluates the function of both the heart and lungs during physical activity. The test is used to assess a person's aerobic capacity, the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and how well they work together during exercise.

It is a specialized test used to measure the volume of air in the lungs and assess lung function, specifically lung volumes and airway resistance. The test is performed in a sealed chamber, often referred to as the "body box," where the patient sits inside while breathing through a mouthpiece.

The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a simple and widely used clinical test to assess a person's functional exercise capacity and endurance. It measures how far a person can walk in six minutes on a flat, hard surface, typically indoors or in a hallway. The test is often used to evaluate the overall health and fitness of individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or other chronic conditions.

BAL/BRUSH/BIOPSIES (FIBREOPTIC/RIGID)

● FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL - Bronchoscopic foreign body removal is a procedure where a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is used to visualize and remove foreign objects from the airways, either through a flexible or rigid bronchoscope, depending on the location and nature of the object

● CRYOBIOPSY - Bronchoscopic cryobiopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where a flexible cryoprobe is inserted through a bronchoscope to freeze and obtain a lung tissue sample for diagnosis,

particularly useful for diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. 

● APC - Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a non-contact thermal ablation technique used during bronchoscopy to treat conditions like airway tumors, bleeding, and airway obstruction, by

using ionized argon gas to coagulate and cauterize tissue. 

● ELECTROCAUTERY - Bronchoscopic electrocautery is a procedure that uses high-frequency electrical current to coagulate, vaporize, or cut tissue within the airways, often used to treat or palliate

conditions like airway obstruction or bleeding during bronchoscopy. 

● RIGID BRONCHOSCOPY - Rigid bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a straight, rigid tube is inserted into the airways to visualize and treat conditions of the trachea and proximal bronchi, often

used for airway obstruction or interventional procedures.

● STENTING/LASER

Thoracocentesis is a medical procedure to remove fluid from the space around the lungs (pleural space) using a needle, primarily to diagnose or treat pleural effusions, which are collections of excess fluid in that space. Pleural catheterisation can be done to ensure continuous drainage of pleural fluid.

Indwelling pleural catheterization involves inserting a small, flexible tube (a catheter) into the pleural space (the space between the lungs and chest wall) to drain fluid, particularly in cases of recurrent or malignant pleural effusions, allowing for safe and effective fluid management at home.

A skin prick test, is a common allergy test where a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on the skin, then lightly pricked or scratched to see if a reaction, like a raised, itchy bump (wheal), develops.

Our department is well equipped for critical care including Respiratory ICU, High dependency unit, ECMO

We conduct speciality clinics for screening and diagnosis of specific respiratory conditions. We have speciality clinics for COPD, Asthma, TB, Allergy and Tobacco cessation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised program of exercise, education, and support designed to help people with chronic lung diseases manage their symptoms, improve their ability to function, and enhance their quality of life.

Faculties

Dr. Rennis Davis Kizhakkepeedika
Reg.No: TCMC 27390
Professor & HOD, Vice Principal
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Dr. Thomas Vadakkan
Reg.No: TCMC 26226
Professor
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Dr. Lisha Pv
Reg.No: TCMC 35008
Associate Professor
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Dr. Shilpa K V
Reg.No: TCMC No: 59036
Assistant Professor
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CME

CME Details Date of Conduct
Name : Public Awareness CME
Theme/Subject : Diseases in Pulmonary Medicine

 2024
Name : Monthly CME
Theme/Subject : Diagnosis and Treatment of Community Acquired pneumonia in adults and children

 2023
Name : APTCON
Theme/Subject : APTCON

 2021
Name : NATCON
Theme/Subject : NATCON

 2020
Name : NAPCON
Theme/Subject : NAPCON

 2019
Name : CME on Recent Updates on Management of Lung Cancer
Theme/Subject : CME on Recent Updates on Management of Lung Cancer

 2018
Name : Sleep Medicine CME
Theme/Subject : Sleep Medicine CME

 2014

Workshop

Name of Workshop Theme / Subject Date of Conduct
Quiz Competition World No Tobacco Day 2024
Crackle 2024 World TB day 2024
NATCON Basic Bronchoscopy 2024
NATCON Critical Care 2024
NATCON Pulmonary Rehabilitation 2024
NATCON Advanced Interventional Pulmonology 2024
Public Awareness Camp World COPD Day 2023
Ventilation & critical care- Guest Lecture Series – All Tuesdays 2.30pm to 4.00pm Ventilation & critical care- Guest Lecture Series 2021
Pulmocon 2 day conference (APCCM) Workshop 17th May, 2019 (3 Days) Pulmocon 2 day conference (APCCM) Workshop . 2019
Basic bronchoscopy hands on training Basic bronchoscopy hands on training 2019

Publications

  • Rennis DK, Krishnakumar EV. Role of Initial arterial blood gas variations in predicting the outcome of pneumonia patients with type 1/II respiratory failure. Int J Adv Med 2016; 3:313-8.

    http://www.ijmedicine.com/index.php/ijam.

  • Rennis KD, AnazM, Krishnakumar EV, Thomas V, Robert AP. Role of chest ultrasonography in the prognostic evaluation of patients with community acquired pneumonia: a prospective study. Int J res Med Sci 2017; 5(1)

    http://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms

  • Rennis KD, Bibin J, Thomas V, Krishnakumar EV. Comparison of diagnostic yield and complications of bronchoscopy, closed pleural biopsy and medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in undiagnosed pleural effusions. Int J Res Med Sci 2017; 5:388:-93.

    http://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms

  • Rennis DK, Krishnakumar EV, Sankarapotti N. Diagnostic yield of conventional transbronchiol needle aspiration in suspected bronchogenic carcinoma without intraluminal growth on branchoscopy. Int J Res Med. Sci 2017; 5: 1270-4

    http://www.msjonline.org/index.php/ijrms

  • K. Rennis Davis, D. Thomas Vadakkan, E.V. Krishnakumar, A. Muhammed Anas. Serial bronchoscopic lung lavage in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis under local anesthesia. Lung India .Vol 32. Issue 2. Mar – Apr 2015. Pages 162 – 164

    http://www.lungindia.com/

  • Jai Krishan, Rennis Davis, Kiranjeet Kaur, Neelam Varma – A study of Role of serotonin and its metabolites causing joint pains/ shoulder hand syndrome in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis taking isoniazid containing regimens - chest Oct 2003, Vol.
  • S. Johnson, A. Shenoy, R Davis - Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in acute respiratory failure : A study of clinical outcome – Journal of respiratory care 2007, 127.
  • Jayakrishnan Kolady, Rennis Davis, Rupesh George, Biju Jacob – Successful thrombolytic therapy for massive pulmonary embolism following abdominoplasty - Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery 2013, Vol 46, Issue 3, Page 600 -601
  • Domini Dixy, Mannarathu Mary, Anas Muhammed, Davis Rennis – Effectiveness of breathing exercises in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases – Indian Journal of respiratory care 2015, Vol 4, 561 – 4.
  • Easwaramangalath Venugopal Krishnakumar, Muhammed Anas, Davis Kizakkepeedika Rennis, Vadakken Devasy Thomas, Babu Vinod – Efficacy of drainage of pleural effusion using small bore pleural catheter and conventional throacostomy using large bore chest tube

    http://www.ijmedicine.com/index.php/ijam

  • Suseela KV, Rennis D, Patil S, Alex A. Bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute exacerbation: A cross sectional study in a tertiary care hospital. Indian J Microbiol Res 2016;3(3):317-321.

    https://www.ijmronline.org/journal-article-file/2596

  • Janso Kollanur, Bhavadasan, Rennis Davis, A.S. Abhay, M.C. Savthri. An uncommon presentation of a very common Disease – The ultimate Masquaerader. Pulmon. Vol 19, Issue I, January – April 2017: 35-39.
  • Rennis DK, Binila J. A Retrospective study on the major endobronchial features and type of lung cancer incidence in a tertiary care hospital. Pulmon. Vol 19, Issue 3, Sep-Dec 2017:100-103.
  • Rennis DK, Abhay AS, Anaz M. Medical Thoracoscopy: Diagnostic utility in a tertiary care setting in South India. Pulmon. Vol 20, Issue 1, Jan-Apr 2018:18-23.
  • Rennis DK, Nileena N. Environmental allergens in Idiopathic Interstitial Lung Disease: Role of skin prick tests- Pulmon. Vol 20, Issue 3, Sep-Dec 2018:57-67.
  • Theresa Scaria, Sreeja Raju, Rennis Davis, Anil Jose Thazhath. An analysis of genetic mutations in lung adenocarcinoma and their relationships to demographic patterns and histopathological features. Pulmon Vol 22, issue 2, May-August 2020
  • Jiss Ann Francis, NA Arun, Rennis Davis, TA Ajith ; Analysis of red cell distribution width in patients presented with interstitial lung disease Pulmon Vol 23 issue, Jan-Apr 2021.
  • 20. PV Lisha, N Safreena Mohamed, TP Rajagopal, Rennis Davis, Thomas Vadakkan Devassy; Diagnostic validity of lung ultrasonogram in comparison with high-resolution computed tomography in interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease. Indian J Rheumatol 2021;16:269-75, Published:06-Aug-2021
  • Rennis Davis Kizhakkepeedika, Mohammed kutty, T.G. Jayakumar; A study on the diagnostic value of Epworth sleep scale in left ventricular failure patients with obstructive sleep apnoea as compared to polysomnogram. Lung India Vol 39, Abstract Issue, March 2022, S14
  • Rennis K. Davis, Azhakath Suresh Abhay; Correlation between red cell distribution width and other parameters in a cohort of COPD patients. Lung India Vol 39, Abstract Issue, March 2022, S89
  • Rennis Davis, Nirmal Varghese Mathew; Prospective study on changes in lung function of patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy for non small cell carcinoma. Lung India Vol 39, Abstract Issue, March 2022, S191
  • Nanditha Ramsingh, Rennis Davis; Assessment of weaning outcome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients on mechanical ventilation in a tertiary care centre. Lung India Vol 39, Abstract Issue, March 2022, S41
  • Alina Ann Mathew, C R Saju, Rennis Davis Kizhakkepeedika; A Comparative Study of the Pulmonary Morbidity of Workers and Local Residents of a Spinning Mill in Kerala ;IJPCR 2023;15 (10);117-122
  • Prashobh Pradeep, M. Maria Lumina Sonia, Rennis Davis Kizhakapeedika: Nanobots in Cancer Treatment – Framing Lung Cancer, Journal of advanced lung health 20244:57 – 69
  • Doniya Joson C, Jinu Merlin Koshy, Rennis Davis, Devaki P R, Sankar Narayanan (2024) Sex Differences In Mortality Rate Among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients With Covid - 19 In South Indian Population. Frontiers in Health Informatics, 13 (3), 10387-10398
  • Doniya Joson C, Jinu Merlin Koshy and Rennis Davis (2024) Impact of Covid-19 on Heart Rate Variability and Pulmonary Function Tests Parametersamong Patients with Chronic Lung Diseases - A Cross Sectional Study. Frontiers in Health Informatics, 13(3), 7601-7610
  • Sapna Madas, Rennis Davis et al. HRCT and Chest X-ray findings in 802 Allergic Broncho Pulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) patients across 23 centers in India.European Respiratory Journal 2024 64(suppl 68): PA4019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2024.PA4019
  • Snehal Kulkarni, Rennis Davis et al. Clinical and serological profiles of 802 Allergic Broncho Pulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) patients across 23 centers in India. European Respiratory Journal 2024 64(suppl 68): PA4018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.congress-2024.PA4018
  • Textbook of Tuberculosis – Update (Chapter Contribution in “ Textbook of Tuberculosis – Update”)
  • Jane Mary Jose, Vadakkan Devassy Thomas, Kollanur Janso. Effect of anulom vilom pranayama as an adjuvant treatment modality to improve level of dyspnea in chronic asthma patients. International Journal of Advances in Medicine, 2018 April 5 (2) 241 – 244
  • Thomas VD, Kumar VS, Gitanjali B. Predictors of nocturnal oxygen desaturation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a south Indian population. J Postgrad Med 2002;48(2):101-104.
  • S Chandra, TV Devassy. Epidemiological and management challenges in tuberculosis with chronic kidney disease. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. 2025
  • TV Devassy. Novel Tuberculosis Vaccines. Update on MDR Tuberculosis 1, 202-203. 2025.
  • T Vadakkan. Lung Oscillometry Testing and Interpertation. CSB. 2025
  • TV Devassy, KV Shilpa, A Jacob, VM Meleppatt. Tuberculosis and Childhood Cancer- A Review of Literature. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. 2023
  • PS Nishanth, TV Devassy, T Jose. Diagnostic utility of cancer ratio in differentiating malignant from non-malignant pleural effusions in a tertiary care center in central Kerala. International Journal of Advances in Medicine. 2022
  • PS Nishanth, TV Devassy, RA George. Association of socio-demographic profile with types of tuberculosis among patients attending a rural DOTS center in central Kerala, South India. 2022.
  • TV Devassy, PS Nishanth, D Shamra, AM Thomas. Sleep disorders in elderly population suffering from TB and respiratory diseases. Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. 2022.
  • Lisha PV1, James PT, Ravindran C. Morbidity and mortality at five years after initiating Category I treatment among patients with new sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Indian J Tuberc. 2012 Apr;59(2):83-91.
  • Evaluation of new smear positive tuberculosis patients 5 years after initiation of treatment under a DOTS programme - E communication session , ERS Barcelona 2010
  • Lisha PV. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Review article. Pulmon Vol 15, Issue 1, Jan – April 2013
  • Santosh Kumar P.V, Rajagopal T.P, Lisha P.V. A Study of Nasociliary Motility in Patients with Bilateral Bronchiectasis and in Smokers. Indian Journal of Medical research and clinical medicine. Volume 05 Issue 05 May 2017

    https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i5.83

  • Lisha PV, Santhosh kumar PV, PT Anandan. A case of familial IPF. Pulmon 2011
  • Suhail Neliyathodi, Abdul Nazar Thazhathethil, Lisha Pallivalappil, Deepu Balakrishnan Pleuropulmonary melioidosis with osteomyelitis rib CASE REPORT. Lung India. 2015: vol 32: (1) 67-69
  • Pallivalappil L, Chittilappily SJ, Innies I. Patient reported outcome of Mild coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in Patients Diagnosed from a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala: A J Assoc Physicians India. 2023.
  • Pallivalappil Lisha, Sharma, Daksh, Nishanth PS. Is ventilator-associated Event Algorithm Ideal for Surveillance?- Experience from a Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit in Kerala. Journal of Advanced Lung Health. 2025
  • Lisha P V, et al., Diagnostic validity of ultrasonogram in comparison with high-resolution computed tomography in interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease. Indian Journal of Rheumatology. 2021.
  • Santosh Kumar PV, Lisha PV. Evaluation of pulmonary impairment by spirometry in post pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research. 2021.
  • Santosh Kumar PV, Rajagopal TP, Lisha PV. A Study of Nasociliary Motility in Patients with Bilateral Bronchiectasis and in Smokers. Indian Journal of Medical Research and Clinical Medicine. 2017.
  • Mathew N, Suresh SA, Pallivalappil Lisha, Suseela K V. Nasal Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and the incidence of invasive Staphylococcal infection in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Indian Journal of Nephrology. 2024.
  • Vadakkan Devassy T, K V S, Jacob A, Meleppat VM. Tuberculosis and childhood cancer - A review of literature. Indian J Tuberc. 2023;70 Suppl 1:S39-S48. doi: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2023.09.006. Epub 2023 Sep 17. PMID: 38110259.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38110259/