Guide to Bronchial Thermoplasty For The First Time at Apollo Hospital
Discover everything about bronchial thermoplasty—an advanced treatment for severe asthma. Learn how the procedure works, who qualifies, the step-by-step process, its benefits and risks, and why Apollo Hospital is a trusted choice for patients.
Introduction
Living with severe asthma can feel like a constant battle for breath, where even the most potent medications sometimes fall short. If you or a loved one has been struggling to manage asthma symptoms despite being on high-dose inhalers and controllers, a groundbreaking procedure now offers a beacon of hope. For the first time, Apollo Hospital is offering bronchial thermoplasty (BT), an innovative, non-drug treatment designed for adults with severe asthma. This article serves as your comprehensive guide, demystifying what bronchial thermoplasty is, how it works, who it's for, and what you can expect from this life-changing journey at a leading institution like Apollo Hospital. We'll walk you through the entire process, from initial consultation to long-term recovery, empowering you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your respiratory health.
What is Bronchial Thermoplasty? Understanding the Science
Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is an FDA-approved outpatient procedure for adults 18 and older whose severe asthma is not well-controlled by standard medications like inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists. It's a novel approach that targets the root cause of asthma symptoms rather than just managing them.
How Does Bronchial Thermoplasty Work?
In people with asthma, the smooth muscles lining the airways are thickened and hyperresponsive. When triggered, these muscles constrict excessively, narrowing the airways and making it difficult to breathe. Bronchial thermoplasty uses controlled, therapeutic heat to reduce the bulk of this smooth muscle. By precisely ablating this excess tissue, the procedure reduces the airway's ability to constrict severely. This leads to fewer asthma attacks, less frequent exacerbations, and a significant reduction in emergency room visits. Think of it as calming an overactive muscle that's causing the problem.
The Technology Behind the Procedure
The procedure utilises the Alair™ System, a specialised catheter that is delivered through a standard bronchoscope. At the tip of this catheter is an expandable electrode array. Once the pulmonologist navigates the bronchoscope into the targeted airway, the array is expanded to contact the airway walls. A controlled amount of radiofrequency energy (heat) is then delivered for a precise duration. The system's intelligent design ensures the treatment is localised and controlled, protecting the surrounding tissues and structures.
Consult a Pulmonologist for the best advice
The Bronchial Thermoplasty Journey at Apollo Hospital: What to Expect
Undergoing a new procedure can be daunting, but at Apollo Hospital, the process is designed to be structured, transparent, and supportive.
Pre-Procedure: Consultations and Preparations
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with a pulmonologist specialising in severe asthma and interventional pulmonology. This team will conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm you are an ideal candidate. This includes reviewing your medical history, current medications and performing tests like pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and a CT scan of the chest. They will set realistic expectations and ensure all your questions are answered, a cornerstone of the patient-centric care at Apollo Hospital.
The Day of the Procedure: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
On the day of your bronchial thermoplasty session, you will be prepared similarly to a standard bronchoscopy. You'll receive mild sedation to help you relax, but you will remain awake enough to follow commands. Local anaesthesia will be applied to your throat to minimise discomfort. The procedure itself is not typically painful; patients often report feeling pressure or a warm sensation in their chest. The entire session for one lobe of the lung lasts about 30-45 minutes, and you will be monitored in recovery for a few hours before being discharged the same day.
The Three Treatment Sessions
It's important to understand that bronchial thermoplasty is not a one-time event. It is performed in three separate sessions, scheduled approximately three weeks apart. Each session treats a different set of airways:
- Session 1: Targets the airways in the right lower lobe.
- Session 2: Targets the airways in the left lower lobe.
- Session 3: Targets the airways in both upper lobes.
This staggered approach allows your body to recover between treatments and ensures the entire lung network is comprehensively treated.
Weighing the Options: Benefits and Potential Risks
Like any medical procedure, BT has its advantages and potential drawbacks, which your doctor at Apollo Hospital will discuss with you in detail.
Significant Benefits of BT
The primary benefit is a dramatically improved quality of life. Data from clinical trials and real-world use show that patients experience:
- A significant reduction in severe asthma attacks.
- Fewer visits to the emergency room and hospitalisations.
- Improved asthma-specific quality of life scores.
- Reduced reliance on rescue medications and oral corticosteroids (which have significant long-term side effects).
- For many, these benefits are long-lasting, providing freedom from the constant anxiety of an impending attack.
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects
The most common side effects occur shortly after each treatment session and are similar to an asthma flare-up. These include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are temporary and are managed with standard asthma medications. There is a small risk of respiratory infection, such as bronchitis, following the procedure. The multidisciplinary team at Apollo Hospital is expertly trained to monitor and manage these post-procedure symptoms effectively, ensuring your safety throughout the recovery period. If your respiratory symptoms worsen significantly after the procedure, it is crucial to contact your pulmonologist immediately or seek urgent care.
Why Choose Apollo Hospital for Your Bronchial Thermoplasty?
Undergoing a sophisticated procedure like BT requires trust in the institution and the team performing it.
A Multidisciplinary Expert Team
Apollo Hospital's program is led by a team of highly skilled interventional pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and asthma educators who specialise in managing severe asthma. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your condition is addressed, from the procedure itself to pre-and post-operative care and long-term asthma management planning.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Patient-Centric Care
Being a pioneer in bringing this technology to its facilities, Apollo Hospital is equipped with the latest Alair™ System and advanced bronchoscopy suites. Beyond the technology, they prioritise patient-centric care. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, the team is dedicated to providing personalised support, clear communication, and a compassionate environment, making your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Severe Asthma
Bronchial thermoplasty represents a significant leap forward in the management of severe asthma, offering a tangible solution for those who have felt out of options. It’s a procedure that empowers patients to move from a life of constant management to one of greater freedom and control. The first-time availability of this advanced treatment at Apollo Hospital marks a new era of hope for asthma sufferers in the region, backed by clinical excellence and compassionate care. If you have been battling severe asthma and your current regimen is not providing adequate relief, it may be time to explore if you are a candidate for this innovative therapy. We encourage you to take the next step by consulting with a pulmonologist at Apollo Hospital to discuss your eligibility for bronchial thermoplasty and embark on your path to easier breathing.
Consult a Pulmonologist for the best advice
Consult a Pulmonologist for the best advice
Dr Arjunsa Satpute
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
14 Years • MBBS, MD Pulmomary Medicine , FCCP (USA)
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr. Varun Rajpal
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB Respiratory Medicine, EDARM, IDCCM,FCCS,FSM, Certificate course in Diabetes.
Noida
DR. VARUN RAJPAL Lungs And Respiratory Care clinic., Noida
Dr Vishwa Vijeth K.
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Respiratory Medicine)
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr Rakesh Bilagi
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS MD PULMONOLOGIST
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Suresh G
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS, MD
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
(225+ Patients)
Consult a Pulmonologist for the best advice
Dr Arjunsa Satpute
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
14 Years • MBBS, MD Pulmomary Medicine , FCCP (USA)
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr. Varun Rajpal
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB Respiratory Medicine, EDARM, IDCCM,FCCS,FSM, Certificate course in Diabetes.
Noida
DR. VARUN RAJPAL Lungs And Respiratory Care clinic., Noida
Dr Vishwa Vijeth K.
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Respiratory Medicine)
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr Rakesh Bilagi
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS MD PULMONOLOGIST
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Suresh G
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS, MD
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
(225+ Patients)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is bronchial thermoplasty a cure for asthma?
No, bronchial thermoplasty is not a cure for asthma. It is a long-term treatment that significantly reduces the severity and frequency of asthma attacks and symptoms by targeting the underlying cause of airway constriction. Most patients will still need to use their asthma medications, though often at lower doses.
How long do the results of bronchial thermoplasty last?
Clinical studies, including 5-year follow-up data from the AIR2 trial, have shown that the benefits of bronchial thermoplasty—such as reduced severe exacerbations and improved quality of life—are sustained long-term for the majority of patients.
What is the typical cost of bronchial thermoplasty in India?
The cost of bronchial thermoplasty can vary based on the hospital, city, and individual patient needs. It is typically considered a significant investment. It is best to contact Apollo Hospital directly for a detailed consultation and a transparent breakdown of the costs involved, including the three procedure sessions.
How painful is the recovery after each session?
The procedure itself is done under sedation and is not painful. During recovery, it is very common to experience a temporary increase in respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest discomfort. These are effectively managed with prescribed medications and typically resolve within a few days to a week.
Can I undergo bronchial thermoplasty if I have other health conditions?
Eligibility depends on the specific conditions. Your pulmonologist will conduct a comprehensive health review. Conditions like active infections, bleeding disorders, or a known sensitivity to medications used during bronchoscopy may require special consideration or could preclude you from being a candidate.