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Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT), delivered by the Alair™ System, is a minimally invasive and safe outpatient procedure for the treatment of severe asthma in adults. BT is a clinically proven non-drug therapy for patients with severe asthma, with benefits demonstrated out to 5 years. Learn more at BTforAsthma.com »

Identifying BT Candidates

Who is BT for?

BT is for patients with severe asthma ≥ 18 years old who are on inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2 agonists but still experience asthma symptoms and/or risk of future exacerbations.

These can include patients with any one of the following:

  • Asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids
  • ER, urgent care, or unscheduled office visits in the past 12 months
  • Use of rescue inhaler > 2x per week
  • Physical or activity limitations due to asthma
Asthma symptoms can interfere with your patients' daily lives and contributes to missed days at work school and other activities.

BT has 5 years of effectiveness and safety data

Learn more about the 5 year clinical safety data that demonstrate benefits of BT are maintained long term.

Click on the individual trial name, below, for additional information on each clinical study.

AIR2 5 Year Extension Study AIR2 Trial RISA Trial
AIR2 5 Year
Extension Study		 AIR2 Trial RISA Trial

Treatment With BT

Bronchial Thermoplasty reduces the amount of excess smooth-muscle tissue in the airways. After BT, the airways constrict less, breathing is easier, and there is less likelihood of an asthma attack.
Asthma and Airways

Performing BT

BT is delivered by the Alair™ System in 3 short sessions, using a device called the Alair™ Catheter. No incisions or full anesthesia necessary. Sessions are typically scheduled 3 weeks apart. Each session is routinely performed under moderate sedation and typically takes less than an hour to complete.

Learn more at BTforAsthma.com→

diagram of lungs
As with any procedure, there are risks, and individual results may vary. The most common side effect of BT is temporary worsening of respiratory-related symptoms. This side effect typically occurs within a day of the procedure and resolves within 7 days on average with standard care. There is a small (3.4% per procedure) risk of these symptoms requiring hospitalization.

Key Resources

Request more information about Bronchial Thermoplasty at BTforAsthma.com »
References: 1. Castro M, et al, for the AIR2 Trial Study Group. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010;181:116-124. 2. Wechsler M, et al, for the AIR2 Trial Study Group. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;132:1295-1302.
Brief Statement of Relevant Indications for Use, Contraindications, Warnings, and Adverse Events: The Alair™ Bronchial Thermoplasty System is indicated for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients 18 years and older whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. The Alair System is not for use in patients with an active implantable electronic device or known sensitivity to medications used in bronchoscopy. Previously treated airways of the lung should not be retreated with the Alair System. Patients should be stable and suitable to undergo bronchoscopy. The most common side effect of BT is an expected transient increase in the frequency and worsening of respiratory-related symptoms. ENDO-551804-AA 
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