BRONCHIAL THERMOPLASTY - NOVEL PROCEDURE TO TREAT ASTHMA

Course overview

Course Objectives: 1.Describe the pre-procedure preparation of a patient undergoing bronchial thermoplasty 2.List the indications for a bronchial thermoplasty 3.List the contraindications for bronchial thermoplasty 4.Describe how bronchial thermoplasty is performed 5.Describe the potential complications of bronchial thermoplasty. Abstract Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a relatively new technique for treatment of asthma. The treatment utilizes a radiofrequency probe to induce structural changes in the bronchial walls, so that the hyper-responsiveness of the smooth muscles will be decreased. Short term data indicate that the technique may help reduce hospitalizations and prevent exacerbation in some asthmatic individuals.