About Bronchial Thermoplasty

Bronchial Thermoplasty is a completely different approach to asthma treatment. The out-patient investigative procedure uses thermal energy to reduce the airway smooth muscle in the lung in hopes of reducing the airways ability to constrict. Less constriction in the airways may result in reducing the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms.

• During Bronchial Thermoplasty, the Alair® catheter is introduced under direct visualization through the working channel of a flexible bronchoscope.
• Bronchial Thermoplasty is currently performed only in conjunction with the AIR2 Trial.
• The catheter has an expandable wire basket at the tip. The four arms of the expanded basket come in contact with and fit snugly against the airway wall. The expanded basket then delivers controlled thermal energy for about 10 seconds to heat the airway smooth muscle.
• The objective of the procedure is to inhibit smooth muscle contraction in all airways reachable by the bronchoscope.
• During the clinical trial physicians will treat one-third of the lungs in each treatment session for a total of three treatment sessions.
• The out-patient procedure is performed in a medical suite and takes about an hour to complete, followed by post-procedure observations for approximately 4 hours.
• The procedure is performed under conscious sedation. No general anesthesia is used, no incision is necessary, and there is no need for patients to stay overnight.

CAUTION: The Alair® System is an Investigational device. It is limited by United States law to investigational use. To be used by Qualified Investigators only.