Could These Devices Someday Replace Drugs? Alair System

Boston Scientific’s Alair system is used to treat severe asthma via a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty. The device consists of a wire electrode array that delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to the airway walls, reducing smooth muscle that contracts and narrows during an asthma attack and makes it difficult for asthma sufferers to breathe. According to the company, patients who underwent the procedure saw a 32% decrease in severe asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids.