Bronchial thermoplasty for asthma
Bronchial thermoplasty is a procedure used to treat asthma that is not well-controlled by medication. Smooth muscle in the lungs is altered by placement of a radiofrequency catheter that heats the muscle tissue, reducing the likelihood of bronchoconstriction during an asthma reaction.
Status: Decision completed
Why is bronchial thermoplasty being reviewed?
There are high concerns related to the safety and efficacy of bronchial thermoplasty, and medium concerns for the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.
Primary criteria ranking
- Safety = High
- Efficacy = High
- Cost = Medium
Documentation
| Type | Materials |
|---|---|
| Assessment (2016) |
Assessment timeline
- Draft key questions published: October 21, 2015
- Public comment period: October 22 to November 4, 2015
- Final key questions published: November 24, 2015
- Draft report published: February 17, 2016
- Public comment period: February 17 to March 18, 2016
- Final report published: April 15, 2016
- HTCC public meeting: May 20, 2016