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Bronchial Thermoplasty Defined

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a non-drug procedure for severe asthmatics whose asthma is not well controlled with both inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients 18 years and older.

BT delivers thermal energy to the airways of the lungs to decrease the amount of smooth muscle in the lungs. By reducing airway smooth muscle, the airways are not able to constrict as well and the frequency of asthma attacks is reduced.

This procedure is performed during bronchoscopy under moderate sedation or light anesthesia and is minimally invasive. It is performed over three outpatient visits, each treating a different area of the lungs. Patients continue to take their standard maintenance asthma medications.

Learn more about asthma symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management.