Bronchial Thermoplasty

A Breakthrough Procedure for Severe Asthma

Bronchial Thermoplasty is an FDA-approved bronchoscopic procedure for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in individuals 18 years and older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists.

Bronchial Thermoplasty uses thermal energy to reduce the excessive airway smoothmuscle responsible for airway constriction in asthma patients, thereby providing long-lasting control in adults with severe asthma.

How Does it Work?

A full course of Bronchial Thermoplasty treatment includes three separate bronchoscopic procedures: one for the each lower lobe of the lung and another for both upper lobes. Each outpatient procedure is performed approximately at least three weeks apart.

Under sedation, a catheter inside a bronchoscope—a thin, flexible tube-like instrument introduced through the patient’s nose or mouth, and into their lungs—delivers thermal energy into the airways. The patient is monitored after the procedure, and usually, returns home that day.

Does Bronchial Thermoplasty Have Any Side Effects?

The most frequent side effects from Bronchial Thermoplasty include:

Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

Who Is a Good Candidate for Bronchial Thermoplasty?

To be considered for Bronchial Thermoplasty treatment, you should:

Be an adult between 18-65 years old.
Be a non-smoker for at least the past year.
Have severe or persistent asthma not well controlled by inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilator medications.

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