Bronchial thermoplasty
Bronchial Thermoplasty (pronunciation: bron-kee-al ther-mo-plas-tee) is a non-drug procedure for severe asthma that is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. The procedure aims to reduce the smooth muscle mass in the airways, thereby reducing the ability of the airways to constrict and cause asthma symptoms.
Etymology
The term "Bronchial Thermoplasty" is derived from the words "bronchial", referring to the bronchus (the main passageway into the lungs), and "thermoplasty", which is a procedure that uses heat to change the structure or shape of a material, in this case, the bronchial tubes.
Procedure
Bronchial Thermoplasty is performed in three sessions, each treating a different part of the lungs. The procedure uses a bronchoscope inserted through the nose or mouth to deliver radiofrequency energy to the airways. This energy generates heat that reduces the amount of smooth muscle in the airways, decreasing the ability of the airways to constrict.
Related Terms
- Asthma: A condition in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Bronchoscope: A device used to see the inside of the airways and lungs.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from medium frequency alternating current.
Risks and Benefits
Like all medical procedures, Bronchial Thermoplasty has potential risks and benefits. Risks include temporary worsening of asthma symptoms, respiratory tract infection, and coughing up blood. However, studies have shown that the procedure can result in fewer severe asthma attacks, less time lost from work, school, and other daily activities due to asthma, as well as improvement in asthma-related quality of life.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bronchial thermoplasty
- Wikipedia's article - Bronchial thermoplasty
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