Asthma currently affects over 300 million individuals worldwide and the number of the affected patient is continuously increasing. Approximately 10% of asthmatics have poorly controlled, severe symptoms.~The exact mechanisms behind the development of asthma are unknown. However, the excessive contraction of airway smooth muscle leading to airway constriction is thought to be responsible for the majority of the symptoms of asthma. A new treatment option, termed bronchial thermoplasty, can offer relief for individuals with severe asthma. Bronchial thermoplasty works by reducing smooth muscle with thermal energy.~This new imaging technology, called optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the first imaging modality that is capable to visualize airway smooth muscle in humans. In this study the investigators will examine the asthmatic airways before and after bronchial thermoplasty to learn about how airways respond to this treatment. The long term goal of this study is to use OCT to look at the airways with the hope of helping clinicians monitor and predict the response to bronchial thermoplasty.~During the scheduled bronchial thermoplasty procedure, OCT imaging will be performed. The study imaging will add less than 10 minutes to the time required for the standard procedure.Twelve months following the completion of bronchial thermoplasty, the investigators will ask the participants to return to the hospital to undergo follow-up tests including a CT scan and a bronchoscopy procedure with repeat OCT imaging. The investigators expect these test to be accomplished in 2 additional visits.
This study will evaluate a new imaging technology, called optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine the asthmatic airways before and after bronchial thermoplasty, which is a new treatment option for severe asthmatic patients. The aim of this study is to learn more about how airways respond to this new treatment. In the future the investigators hope OCT will aid clinicians in the initial assessment, management and long-term follow up of patients receiving bronchial thermoplasty.