Tribute to Dr. Seshagiri Rao Mallampati
Obituary and Early Life
Hyderabad: Dr. Seshagiri Rao Mallampati, a distinguished Telugu anaesthesiologist renowned for developing the life-saving Mallampati Score, passed away on February 9, 2026, in the United States at the age of 85. His death has left the medical community in mourning. Born in 1941 in Patchalatadiparru, a village in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur District, Dr. Mallampati commenced his medical studies in 1963, later transferring to Andhra Medical College, where he earned his MBBS degree in 1968.
Medical Training and Career
In 1971, Dr. Mallampati moved to the United States to further his training. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the Lahey Clinic Foundation and followed it with a clinical fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Over the years, he served as an attending anesthesiologist at Boston Hospital for Women and later at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In addition to his clinical work, he contributed to medical education as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Harvard Medical School.
Development of the Mallampati Score
Dr. Mallampati’s most significant contribution arose from a clinical challenge he faced in 1975. While performing what was anticipated to be a routine Caesarean section, he encountered a patient who was unexpectedly difficult to intubate. Although both the mother and baby were safe, the experience left a lasting impression on him. He noted that the patient’s large tongue obscured the airway view, despite her neck appearing normal.
At that time, there was no dependable bedside method to predict “difficult airways” prior to administering anaesthesia. In 1985, Dr. Mallampati conducted a pivotal study involving 210 patients, leading to the introduction of the ‘Mallampati Score’ or ‘Mallampati Test.’ This simple, non-invasive test requires patients to open their mouths and protrude their tongues, enabling doctors to predict difficult airways before anaesthesia. Today, the Mallampati Score is a critical safety protocol in operating theatres, having saved countless lives.
Legacy and Retirement
Originally featuring three classes, the Mallampati classification was later refined into the four-class system widely utilized today. From small nursing homes in Hyderabad to advanced surgical centres globally, the Mallampati Score has become an essential safety measure in anaesthesia practice. According to Med Snaps, Dr. Mallampati retired from active medical practice in 2017 after a long and impactful career.
His passing in February 2026 signifies the end of an era, yet his legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern medical education and clinical practice. As noted in a tribute by AMCANA, he continues to inspire the medical fraternity worldwide.