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By radically changing the standard of care, Asthmatx will become the leading provider of therapeutic medical devices for patients who suffer from asthma.
FAQ
What is the AIR2 Trial?
The AIR2 Trial: The objective of this randomized, double blind, sham-controlled study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Bronchial Thermoplasty with the Alair® System in a population of subjects with severe asthma who are still symptomatic despite being managed on conventional therapy.
Cox G, Miller J, McWilliams A, et al, Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma, Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2006;173:965-969
Bronchial Thermoplasty for Asthma
Gerard Cox, John D. Miller, Annette McWilliams, J. Mark FitzGerald and Stephen Lam
Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario; and Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Abstract
Rationale: Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) reduces the potential for smooth muscle–mediated bronchoconstriction by reducing the mass of smooth muscle in the walls of conducting airways.
Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the safety and impact on lung function and airway responsiveness of BT over 2 yr.
Methods: The safety of BT was studied in 16 subjects with mild to moderate asthma. Baseline and 12-wk post-treatment measurements included spirometry, methacholine challenge, daily diary recordings of peak flow, symptoms, and medication usage. Subjects completed follow-up evaluations at 12 wk, 1 yr, and 2 yr.
Measurements and Main Results: The procedure was well tolerated; side effects were transient and typical of what is commonly observed after bronchoscopy. All subjects demonstrated improvement in airway responsiveness. The mean PC20 increased by 2.37 ± 1.72 (p < 0.001), 2.77 ± 1.53 (p = 0.007), and 2.64 ± 1.52 doublings (p < 0.001), at 12 wk, 1 yr, and 2 yr post-procedure, respectively. Data from daily diaries collected for 12 wk indicated significant improvements over baseline in symptom-free days (p = 0.015), morning peak flow (p = 0.01), and evening peak flow (p 
0.007). Spirometry measurements remained stable throughout the study period.
Conclusions: BT is well tolerated in patients with asthma and results in decreased airway hyperresponsiveness that persists for at least 2 yr.
Key Words
airway smooth muscle • asthma • bronchoscopy • radiofrequency energy
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.
Alair, Asthmatx, and It's about breathing are trademarks or registered trademarks of Asthmatx, Inc.
Copyright © 2006, Asthmatx Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Last Updated: August 22, 2007
