A procedure to treat severe asthma in adults is now being performed in Tulsa and the first patient in the area finished treatment Thursday.
The procedure, called bronchial thermoplasty, heats and reduces extra muscle in the airway wall to open up the airways and allow for better breathing.
It is only for people who have severe and persistent asthma that significantly disrupts their lives and isn’t otherwise controlled, said Dr. Mark Boomer, pulmonologist at St. Francis Hospital.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the procedure in April 2010. It involves a catheter traveling to the lungs through a bronchoscope inserted through the nose or mouth. The tip of the catheter can expand to touch the airways, delivering radiofrequency energy that heats the airway wall to 149 degrees.
“I really think it’s going to be beneficial,” Boomer said. “And we have a great need for this in Tulsa.”
The procedure is performed in three sessions about three weeks apart. There is a risk of respiratory symptoms getting worse immediately following the procedure.
The first patient, Stephen Bardin, developed pneumonia after his second treatment but was able to continue without any problems.
Bardin, 45, has had asthma for the past six years. That was when he developed allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, an allergic reaction to a fungus in the body.
In addition to trouble breathing, Bardin has suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes. He felt like he had nothing to lose in trying the procedure, he said.
“(The asthma) has caused all sorts of problems,” he said.
After two treatments, Bardin says he already feels better. He’s able to take deeper breaths, which means he can move more quickly.
He looks forward to maybe playing sports again, particularly basketball with his children.
“I’m not afraid at all to be No. 1,” he said. “Hopefully it will help me and help somebody else, too.”
Insurance covered most of the cost of the procedure, he said.
Bronchial thermoplasty does not cure asthma or eliminate the need for medication, but it has been shown to result in reduced emergency room visits, fewer hospitalizations and fewer days lost from work or school.
Studies following up to five years after treatment have shown the procedure to be safe.
Shannon Muchmore 918-581-8306
shannon.muchmore@tulsaworld.com
