A bronchial thermoplasty procedure is performed under sedation. While you are sedated, a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through your nose or mouth and into your lungs. Once inside the lungs, the bronchoscope is expanded so that it comes into contact with the walls of the airways. The bronchoscope then heats the airways.
After the procedure is finished, you will be monitored and may be able to return home the same day or early the following day.
Bronchial thermoplasty treatment may involve up to three separate procedures: one procedure for the lower lobe of each lung, and one procedure for the upper lobes of both lungs. Each procedure is performed at least three weeks apart, so a full course of treatment will take at least nine weeks.
Some patients experience side effects from the procedure. The most common side effects from bronchial thermoplasty are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
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