Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Endobronchial treatment of severe asthma and severe emphysema with hyperinflation
Justin L Garner1,2,3, Pallav L Shah1,2,3
1Royal Brompton Hospital.
Purpose Of Review:
The field of interventional pulmonology has ushered in a wave of innovations for individuals with obstructive airways disease in whom established medical therapies have failed. Leading the charge are bronchial thermoplasty for severe refractory asthma and uni-directional valves for severe emphysema with hyperinflation: both have received regulatory approvals in the United Kingdom and United States. With the commissioning of these novel treatments comes new challenges relating to implementation, positioning within therapeutic algorithms, honing of patient selection, and establishing long-term safety and benefits beyond 5 years.
Recent Findings:
This review summarises the evidence for their safety and efficacy, predictors of therapeutic response, mechanism(s) of action and emerging data supporting the durability of outcomes out to at least ten years.
Summary:
It is anticipated the experience of treating increasing numbers of patients, the adoption of international registries, and ongoing research evaluations will serve to optimise these therapies for future generations of patients.
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Inhaled Medications
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...

