Now there is an innovative procedure that transforms the treatment of severe asthma
Bronchial thermoplasty is a non-drug procedure for severe persistent asthma in patients 18 years and older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists.
The Alair® Bronchial Thermoplasty System (the “Alair® System”) delivers thermal energy to the airway wall in a precisely controlled manner in order to reduce excessive airway smooth muscle (ASM). Reducing airway smooth muscle decreases the ability of the airways to constrict, thereby reducing the frequency of asthma attacks.
This minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure is performed in three outpatient procedure visits, each treating a different area of the lungs and scheduled approximately three weeks apart. After all three procedures are performed, the bronchial thermoplasty treatment is complete. No clinical data are available studying the safety and/or effectiveness of repeat treatments.
Bronchial thermoplasty is routinely performed under moderate sedation or light anesthesia, and the patient typically goes home the same day.
Bronchial thermoplasty is expected to complement asthma maintenance medications by providing long-lasting asthma control and improving asthma-related quality of life of patients with severe asthma. In addition, bronchial thermoplasty has been demonstrated to reduce severe exacerbations (asthma attacks) emergency rooms visits for respiratory symptoms, and time lost from work, school and other daily activities due to asthma.
For more information about Asthmatx, the company that developed the Alair® Bronchial Thermoplasty System, please visit www.asthmatx.com
