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Updated: May 23, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Bronchial thermoplasty for severe asthma
Neil C Thomson1, Stephen Bicknell, Rekha Chaudhuri
1Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow & Respiratory Medicine, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK. neil.thomson@glasgow.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|April 6, 2012
Summary
Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) offers a new treatment for severe asthma by reducing airway smooth muscle. Studies show BT improves quality of life and reduces exacerbations in patients with uncontrolled asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Interventional Pulmonology
Background:
- Severe asthma remains challenging to manage despite current therapies.
- Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a novel procedure using radiofrequency energy to reduce airway smooth muscle mass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preclinical development, efficacy, and safety of BT.
- To discuss the potential mechanisms of action and role of BT in severe asthma management.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical data and three randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Assessment of efficacy and adverse events in moderate to severe asthma patients.
- Comparison of BT with usual care and sham procedures.
Main Results:
- Two RCTs demonstrated clinical benefits of BT over usual care.
- The third RCT showed improved asthma quality of life and reduced exacerbations with BT versus sham.
- BT is associated with short-term increases in morbidity but demonstrates long-term safety.
Conclusions:
- Bronchial thermoplasty is a viable option for severe asthma patients with refractory symptoms.
- Further research is needed to identify predictors of positive clinical response to BT.
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