Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) reduces Severe Asthma exacerbations by reducing excess airway smooth muscle

How BT Works

Less smooth muscle tissue means less airway constriction during an exacerbation

BT is a complementary treatment that works differently than drugs alone and has been proven to help reduce the risk of repeat exacerbations.1 

 

BT-Treated airway remains open during a simulated Asthma Attack

This demonstrates how Bronchial Thermoplasty reduced airway narrowing in response to direct application of methacholine (a bronchoconstrictor).
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Bronchial Thermoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed by a BT-certified and experienced pulmonologist

BT is performed in 3 sessions

BT is Done in 3 Sessions

BT is complete after 3 sessions, each treating a different part of the lung to ensure safety (as Illustrated in the lung map). No incision is needed. BT is performed with a bronchoscope, inserted through the nose or mouth.

During the procedure, the Alair™ catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the airway walls, applying mild heat in a controlled manner reducing the amount of excessive airway smooth muscle present in the airways.

It's important to note that no structural changes in the airways that were clinically significant were due to BT at 5 years.2

WHAT PATIENTS SHOULD EXPECT FOLLOWING THE BT PROCEDURE

What patients should expect following the BT procedure

Patients are monitored similar to other bronchoscopy procedures and can be discharged the same day when vital signs and lung function are near normal levels.

Patients return to their regular asthma-treating physician for continued asthma management. BT works with daily maintenance medications to help reduce exacerbations over the long-term.

Patients should expect a temporary worsening of asthma symptoms following their procedure; symptoms typically resolve within a week of their procedure.

 

BT, a revolutionary procedure for patients with Severe Asthma, is delivered by the Alair™ System

Alair Catheter: Sterile, single-use, disposable device delivers therapeutic RF energy to the airways via a standard flexible bronchoscope. Includes an electrode array with 4 insulated stainless steel wire legs; the 5-mm, exposed area at the center of the leg is the active electrode.

Alair Radiofrequency (RF) Controller: Designed with a proprietary set of control parameters and algorithms to safely and accurately deliver the correct intensity and duration of thermal energy.

The energy delivery is designed to limit long-term impact to surrounding tissues.

Find out which patients are right for BT
Brief Statement of Relevant Indications for Use, Contraindications, Warnings, and Adverse Events: The Alair™ Bronchial ThermoplastySystem is indicated for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients 18 years and older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. The Alair System is not for use in patients with an active implantable electronic device or known sensitivity to medications used in bronchoscopy. Previously treated airways of the lung should not be retreated with the Alair System. Patients should be stable and suitable to undergo bronchoscopy. The most common side effect of BT is an expected transient increase in the frequency and worsening of respiratory-related symptoms. ENDO-551804-AA 

As with any procedure, there are risks, and individual results may vary. The most common adverse event of BT is a temporary worsening of respiratory-related symptoms. These events typically occur within one day of the BT procedure and usually resolve within a week with standard care. There is a small risk (3.4% per procedure) that symptoms may require hospitalization.1

References

  1. Castro M, et al, for the AIR2 Trial Study Group. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010;181:116-124
  2. Wechsler M, et al; for the AIR2 Trial Study Group Journal of Asthma and Clinical Immunology, August 2013
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