Targeted lung denervation (TLD) is a procedure, that is currently being studied, to try to improve

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of progressive lung disease characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and a cough, which may or may not produce ...

(COPD). Evidence to support its use is insufficient as of 2015. TLD is intended to block airway nerves of the

parasympathetic nervous system The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is one of the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system, the others being the sympathetic nervous system and the enteric nervous system. The enteric nervous system is sometimes considered part of ...

to try to relax the airways. The procedure is done using a balloon catheter through a

bronchoscope Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic technique of visualizing the inside of the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. An instrument (bronchoscope) is inserted into the airways, usually through the nose or mouth, or occasionally through a trac ...

and uses

radio frequency Radio frequency (RF) is the oscillation rate of an alternating electric current or voltage or of a magnetic, electric or electromagnetic field or mechanical system in the frequency range from around to around . This is roughly between the upp ...

energy. The bronchoscope is passed through the person's mouth and into their lungs. A dual-cooled

radiofrequency ablation Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called fulguration, is a medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor or other dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated from medium frequency alternat ...

catheter is passed through the bronchoscope to provide the treatment.

References

{{reflist Pulmonological procedures Experimental medical treatments Clinical trials Asthma