An estimated 25 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma, a respiratory disease that causes the airways in the lungs to narrow and makes it difficult to breathe. 

For many, this condition can significantly impact their quality of life and, in some cases, it can be life threatening. 

What is bronchial thermoplasty? 

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe, persistent asthma in patients 18 and older whose asthma is not well controlled by inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting “beta-agonists.” 

During a BT procedure, a bronchoscope is used to deliver a wire with an expandable, basket-like tip into the airways. Once in place, the basket is expanded and touches the airway walls, delivering mild heat to reduce the amount of excess smooth-muscle tissue in the airways. Less muscle tissue means less airway constriction during an asthma attack. 

Unlike daily asthma medications, BT is an add-on therapy that continues to work for years, providing long-lasting benefits including a decrease in asthma attacks, fewer emergency room visits, and improved quality of life.