Dr. K.K.Deepak

1. Setting up of Autonomic Function Lab  in 1989: a diagnostic facility for assessing  autonomic dysfunctions in patients:

I set up of the first Autonomic Function (AF) Lab of the country for providing patient care for diagnostic purpose.   The contribution  has been documented in   annual reports of AIIMS since 13 June 1989 and also in  publications emanating from AF Lab.  It has resulted in creation of large database of records of 21,000 human tests on autonomic functions which are available in autonomic function lab in Department of Physiology. The data was periodically presented  in institutional clinical meetings (Three Clinical Grand Rounds, the CGRs  and  two  Combined Clinical Rounds, the CCRs at AIIMS New Delhi),  and the work has been presented  in four  faculty presentations under fortnightly faculty research meetings). The database is being used as historical database for various clinical studies. More than 120 students have been trained in autonomic function techniques (Please see the list of students). Large number of publications have come out form this lab.

In this laboratory, we started testing procedures for assessing the components of autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic: both reactivity and  tone) in patients by tests like head-up tilt test, Valsalva maneuver test, deep breathing test, Isometric test, cold pressure test, cold face test, skin sympathetic response. Patients are mainly referred from Endocrinology, Neurology, Medicine, Gastroenterology, Oto-rhino-laryngology, Paediatrics etc.

2. Setting up of Vascular Function Lab: a diagnostic facility for assessing vascular dysfunction:

I set up yet another lab to assess vascular functions in humans.   This has been documented in annual reports of AIIMS since 2001(Inaugurated  by the Dean, AIIMS, Feb 2000). Since then the Vascular Function Lab in the Department of Physiology has been contributing in the field of patient care, education and research. Large number of publications have come out form this lab.  

3. New Techniques/equipments/software innovated/introduced in the country:

1. Developed “Blood pressure simulation model”: (Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 1992;36:155-61).  University of California San Diego (UCSD) has used this model to study the microgravity effect on vasculature under NASA supported program. [http://bones.ucsd.edu/C-9_Competition.htm]. 
2. Innovated the technique of EMG Biofeedback. This was done to help the patients of hand dystonia.   (Research paper published in indexed journal,   Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 1999).
3. I was first to introduce the technique of Electro-gastrography (EGG) in the country This was done to investigate gut disorders. (Two PhD theses included this technique, Documented in Research Project Reports).  Autonomic function lab has database of more than 700 human records  on EGG in electronic forms. This  procedure is being regularly used in post-graduate teaching in physiology in in inter-departmental resaerch. Further I innovated the technique of EGG Biofeedback for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
4. Designed and developed three head-up tilt tables for testing orthostatic hypotension (1990, 1998 & 2004). One is  being  used for autonomic function testing in humans in the Dept. of Physiology (AIIMS). The other one is in use at  BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal (since 1998).
5. Developed computer software for analysis of biological signals.  Its specialized version HTVsoft is being used   for analysis heart rate variability (HRV) in the   autonomic   function lab. The same has been used at five centres in the country.  (https://chrv.dic.gov.in/pages/index)
6. Developed computer software for analysis of continuous blood pressure in humans.  It is being used   for analysis of Blood Pressure Variability (BPV) for patient care in the   autonomic   function lab (BPVsoft).

4. New Initiatives:   

“Clinical Physiology” in regular service and teaching at AIIMS : After setting up of Autonomic (1989) and Vascular function (2000) labs the department has earned the reputation in the field of patient care. This led to steady growth of Clinical Physiology in the department  (see list of projects,  manpower trained and service provided. Patients are referred to us in the capacity of “Consultant Clinical Physiologist” at AIIMS, New Delhi.

5. New Diagnostic Procedures:

Introduced testing of Baro-reflex Sensitivity (BRS) and Blood Pressure Variability (BPV) as a part of Autonomic Function test Battery. These are useful as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in  cases of postural hypotension. Introduced  Electro-Gastrography (EGG) as human testing, research  and medical education.

— Photo by Josh Riemer on Unsplash