Bronchial thermoplasty in asthma.
Currently available treatments for asthma provide satisfactory control of the disease in most cases. However, a significant number of patients do not respond to such treatments (i.e., do not achieve effective symptom relief). One novel approach to treating asthma is bronchial thermoplasty, in which the airway smooth muscle is specifically and directly treated. This procedure delivers radiofrequency energy to the airways in order to reduce smooth muscle-mediated bronchoconstriction. In this article, we present the thermoplasty technique, summarizing the results of the major randomized clinical trials of the procedure, as well as discussing its mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects. We also propose strategies for the future clinical use of this new treatment.
Rubin
Adalberto Sperb
AS
Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Pereira Filho Ward, Santa Casa Hospital Complex in Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil. arubin@terra.com.br
Cardoso
Paulo Francisco Guerreiro
PF
D001249:Asthma / Q000601:surgery*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic