bronchial thermoplasty
Bronchoscopic procedure using radiofrequency energy to reduce airway smooth muscle in severe asthma treatment. Not typically used in oncology.
Full Definition
A minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure that applies controlled radiofrequency thermal energy to the airway wall to reduce smooth muscle mass in patients with severe persistent asthma. The treatment is delivered through a specialized catheter during bronchoscopy and targets airways 3mm or larger in diameter. While not directly used for cancer treatment, thoracic oncology practitioners may encounter this procedure in the medical history of patients with concurrent lung cancer and severe asthma, or when evaluating post-treatment changes on imaging. The procedure is performed in three separate sessions treating different lung regions, with each session requiring general anesthesia. Understanding this technique is important for thoracic specialists interpreting bronchoscopic findings and imaging changes.
Usage
Usage note: Primarily an asthma treatment; relevant to thoracic oncology for differential diagnosis and history taking.
In Context
- "The patient had undergone bronchial thermoplasty for severe asthma prior to lung cancer diagnosis." — Medical history review
- "Bronchoscopy showed changes consistent with previous bronchial thermoplasty treatment." — Procedure report