Definition:
Bronchial thermoplasty is a outpatient procedure that utilizes thermoplasty or radiofrequency-generated heat delivered to your airways to prevent the airways from narrowing and causing asthma symptoms. Just like your rescue inhaler prevents the smooth muscle from narrowing and causing asthma symptoms, bronchial thermoplasty also keeps your airways from narrowing by preventing the airways' smooth muscle from contracting.
This animation from the Alair® System website demonstrates what happens during bronchial thermoplasty.
