Post bronchial thermoplasty procedure, one may have fewer asthma attacks, fewer episodes of hospitalisation, and fewer ‘zero’ productivity days
The estimated prevalence of asthma in the adult Indian population is 2 per cent, and about 1-2 million Indian adults are estimated to suffer from severe asthma. To address the needs of this huge patient base, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital announced the procurement of The Alair System to conduct bronchial thermoplasty. Dr Prashant Chhajed, HOD-Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonologist along with Sandeep Guduru, Facility Director, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital, hosted the inauguration.
Patients with severe asthma undergo comprehensive screening, to identify and treat modifiable factors responsible for poor asthma control. Subsequently, such patients undergo bronchial thermoplasty which uses radio-frequency controlled energy to shrink the bronchial muscles, to improve asthma control. This procedure is performed through a bronchoscope which is inserted through the nose or the oral route, in three separate sessions, two to three weeks apart. Excess airway muscle tissue is targeted with mild heat, through The Alair System. After one undergoes bronchial thermoplasty, inhalers and other medicines may still be needed, but the dosage and usage requirement can reduce. Post procedure, one may have fewer asthma attacks, fewer episodes of hospitalisation, and fewer ‘zero’ productivity days.
Talking about the acquisition and how severe asthmatics will benefit from this procedure, Dr Chhajed said, “Asthma is a leading public health concern, majority of the patients with asthma are able to control their symptoms with medications. However, some patients continue to have severe symptoms despite being on proper medications. Bronchial thermoplasty, in such cases, will help adult patients have better control of their asthma.”
Guduru said “We are happy to be Western India’s first to have procured the bronchial thermoplasty system that will aid patients with severe asthma and are proud that we are adding another first as an organisation. This revolutionary procedure can be conducted on adults, and as reports suggest, has proven to be beneficial worldwide.”