Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) for Asthma
Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is a non-drug, outpatient bronoscopic procedure that delivers precisely controlled thermal energy to reduce excess airway smooth muscle associated with airway constriction in asthma patients.
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Overview
Bronchial Thermoplasty attacks the asthma at its source by reducing the amount of smooth muscle causing the airway to constrict. In three sessions typically scheduled three weeks apart, a specially-trained pulmonologist uses a small catheter to apply heat to the affected areas, "melting away" the smooth tissue build-up and decreasing the muscle's ability to constrict the airways.
Each session lasts about an hour and focuses on a different part of the lungs to ensure every affected area is treated. Only patients 18 years and older whose asthma is not well controlled with medication are considered candidates for the procedure and then only after a thorough evaluation to ensure all other available therapies have been attempted.
What are the benefits of Bronchial Thermoplasty?
- Significant improvement of asthma control and asthma-related quality of life
- 32% decrease in severe asthma attacks
- 84% reduction in emergency department visits for respiratory symptoms
- 73% reduction in hospitalization for respiratory symptoms
- 66% fewer days lost from work, school and other daily activities due to asthma
Patients may be a candidate for BT if they:
- Are age 18 or older
- Are symptomatic despite taking a combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta agnostics (LABA) to control asthma
- Are able to safely undergo a bronchoscopy procedure
View a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Bronchial Thermoplasty.
For more information, call the office of Michael Pritchett, D.O., at Pinehurst Medical Clinic, (910) 295-9359.
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