Source: The Sixth Affiliated Hospital
Written by: Jian Wenyang, Wang Jun
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

Professor Gerard Cox from McMaster University in Canada visited the respiratory department of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of SYSU recently. Professor Chen Zhengxian, the Chief Physician of the department, and his team gave reception to Professor Gerard Cox. They discussed an innovative technology in treatment of severe asthma, Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT), and examined patients who were candidated for BT. Professor Cox also gave a lecture about the operational essentials, safety and clinical outcome of Bronchial Thermoplasty. The event laid a foundation for the promotion of Bronchial Thermoplasty in China.

Professor Gerard Cox, who is famous for the treatment of asthma and Bronchial Thermoplasty in Canada, offered some practical experience about screening patients, operating process and skills, and patient management of Bronchial Thermoplasty. This was really good news for patients with severe asthma.

According to Professor Chen Zhengxian, Bronchial Thermoplasty is an effective treatment for severe, uncontrolled asthma patients who were poor responding to standard drug treatment (inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting b2-agonists). This operation delivers therapeutic radiofrequency energy provided by the Alair™ System to the airway wall, via a catheter inserted into the bronchi through a flexible bronchoscope, thus reducing the amount of smooth muscle cell in the airway wall and reducing the ability of the smooth muscle to bronchoconstrict. This treatment could reduce asthma symptoms and exacerbations, and improved quality of life.

The treatment has been shown to be uncomplicated, safe and effective over 10 years abroad. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Passed Premarket Approval (PMA) process. Patients with severe persistent asthma, 18 years and older, who experience asthma symptoms despite taking high dose Corticosteroids (ICS) and Long-acting β-agonists (LABA), and can tolerant Bronchial endoscopy are indicated to Bronchial Thermoplasty. Even patients with severe airflow obstruction could be improved by this treatment.

Professor Chen Zhenxian is a well known Interventional Pulmonology specialist and his team is developing this promising technology. More and more patients will benefit from this therapy.