Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma

Abstract

Bronchial thermoplasty is a new treatment for severe and refractory asthma. Treatment consists of delivering ontrolled thermal energy to the airway wall to decrease bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma who are not adequately controlled on medical therapy.Bronchial thermoplasty is performed using flexible bronchoscopy, a radiofrequency controller and a catheter in three separate sessions, spaced approximately 3 weeks apart.Several studies have demonstrated improvements in asthma related quality of life following BT, and treatment may berecommended for patients on inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ß-agonists who are considering additional treatment for symptom control.