Bronchial Thermoplasty™ is an investigative, minimally invasive procedure that reduces the amount of airway smooth muscle that is responsible for the constriction of airways in asthma patients. Using the Alair® System (seen here), manufactured by Asthmatx, physicians will go into the airway with a flexible bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and and by generating and applying thermal energy with the device, they will reduce underlying areas of smooth muscle in the small to medium size airways. This procedure may be useful in reducing the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, such as breathing difficulty, and therefore improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from asthma.

Image Courtesy: Asthmatx, Inc.