Translate
Bronchial Thermoplasty
Bronchial Thermoplasty is an advanced bronchoscopic procedure for severe uncontrolled asthma that uses targeted radiofrequency energy to reduce the mass of airway smooth muscle — decreasing bronchoconstriction, reducing severe asthma attacks, and significantly improving quality of life in patients who have failed standard maximal medical therapy.
Overview
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our bronchial thermoplasty services.
Reduces airway smooth muscle mass by 50 to 60% providing sustained bronchoconstriction reduction
Significant reduction in severe asthma attack frequency demonstrated over 5 years of follow-up
Fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions after successful thermoplasty
Improved asthma-related quality of life scores sustained beyond 5 years in clinical studies
Performed by specialist respiratory bronchoscopists in designated thermoplasty centres
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our bronchial thermoplasty.
Three-session treatment protocol treats all lung regions with minimum 3-week intervals between sessions
Pre-procedure prednisolone reduces peri-procedural airway inflammation at every session
Alair radiofrequency catheter delivers precisely controlled 65°C thermal energy to the airway wall
All accessible airways in the treatment zone systematically covered in each session
2 to 3 hour post-session observation monitors for significant immediate adverse events
Preparation Instructions
After each Bronchial Thermoplasty session, expect increased cough, wheeze, and asthma symptoms for 3 to 7 days — pre-treatment prednisolone and rescue bronchodilators manage this expected response. Continue all prescribed asthma medications throughout and after the treatment course. The maximum clinical benefit from thermoplasty develops progressively over 6 to 12 months after the final session. Attend all follow-up spirometry and asthma control assessments as scheduled. Contact your pulmonologist immediately for severe breathlessness, high fever, or haemoptysis after any treatment session.
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your bronchial thermoplasty procedure.
Severe Asthma Assessment and Eligibility Confirmation
Your respiratory specialist confirms eligibility for bronchial thermoplasty — severe persistent asthma inadequately controlled on maximum doses of ICS/LABA, non-smoking status, FEV1 above 60% predicted, and no active respiratory infection — before the three-session treatment schedule is planned.
Pre-Procedure Prednisolone Course
You take oral prednisolone 50 mg daily for 3 days before each bronchoscopy session — reducing peri-procedural airway inflammation and minimising the intensity of the post-treatment asthma exacerbation that is a normal and expected part of the treatment response.
Conscious Sedation and Bronchoscope Insertion
Conscious sedation and topical airway anaesthesia are administered. The bronchoscope is advanced into the airways and baseline assessment of airway calibre, mucus, and endobronchial inflammation is documented before thermal energy delivery begins.
Systematic Radiofrequency Energy Delivery
The Alair catheter with its expandable wire basket is positioned in each target airway and activated for 10 seconds, delivering precisely controlled radiofrequency thermal energy (65°C) to the airway wall — reducing the smooth muscle mass without damaging the epithelium.
Sequential Treatment of All Target Airways
The entire treatment area — lower lobes in sessions 1 and 2, both upper lobes in session 3 — is methodically treated with 40 to 75 activations per session under direct bronchoscopic vision, ensuring complete and systematic coverage of all accessible airways.
Post-Session Monitoring and Symptom Management
You are observed for 2 to 3 hours after each session. The expected temporary worsening of asthma over the next 3 to 7 days is managed with the pre-prescribed prednisolone, reliever inhaler, and clear instructions on when to seek urgent medical attention.
What to Expect
Bronchial Thermoplasty is performed over three bronchoscopy sessions, each under conscious sedation and taking 45 to 60 minutes. Session 1 treats the right lower lobe, Session 2 the left lower lobe, and Session 3 both upper lobes, with each session applying 40 to 75 radiofrequency activations to the visible airways under direct bronchoscopic vision. A transient increase in asthma symptoms is expected for up to 1 week after each session — this is a normal treatment response and not a complication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bronchial thermoplasty.
Related Services
Explore other services in our Pulmonology department.
Dilatation Tracheal
Flexible Bronchoscopy
EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound)
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards better health.
