Cryoablation uses extremely cold temperature to destroy cells. Cardiac catheter cryoablation is used to destroy selected heart cells.
The procedure is done to disable heart cells that are creating an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias ). After the procedure, normal heart rhythm should be restored.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have cardiac catheter cryoablation, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
A person’s risk level is very individual. It may relate to the specific arrhythmia and any underlying medical conditions.
Your doctor will likely do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
A local anesthetic will be given by needle. It will numb the area where the catheter (tube) will be inserted. You will also receive a mild sedative through an IV in your arm. This will help you to relax during the procedure.
The special ablation catheter will be inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, upper thigh area, arm, or wrist. The area will be cleaned. It will also be numbed with anesthesia.
The catheter will be passed up the blood vessel to your heart. Your doctor will be able to see the catheter with a special x-ray machine. It will be seen on a nearby screen.
Your doctor will locate the origin of your arrhythmia. This will be done by setting off the arrhythmia with a special catheter tip. Once the location is found, the area will be cooled with the tip of the catheter. If it is the right area, the cold will temporarily stop the arrhythmia. If it is not the right area, the tip is removed and the tissue will not have any damage.
When the right area is found, the tip of the ablation catheter will be cooled down to -70°C. This extreme cold will freeze and scar the heart tissue. The damage will eliminate the arrhythmia. Your doctor will then try to reproduce the arrhythmia. The tip will be applied again until the arrhythmia can no longer be reproduced.
You will be moved to a recovery room. The staff will observe you for a few hours for symptoms, rhythm problems, and bleeding from the catheter sites. You may feel groggy from the sedative.
You will likely need to lie still and flat on your back for a period of time. A pressure dressing may be placed over the area where the catheter was inserted to help prevent bleeding. It is important to follow the nurses' directions.
2- 4 hours
You may feel some minor discomfort as the catheter is inserted. You may feel light-headed, experience a rapid heartbeat, or experience chest pain during the freezing process.
Most patients stay overnight for further observation. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
This procedure has an extremely high success rate and a low recurrence and complication rate. However:
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.sickkids.ca/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
Catheter ablation of arrhythmias. Circulation. 2002;106:e203.
Cryoablation for atrial fibrillation in association with other cardiac surgery. National Institute for Clinical Excellence website. Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=238139. Accessed January 15, 2005.
Cryoablation heart surgery. The Nebraska Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.nebraskamed.com/heart/cryoablation.cfm. Accessed January 15, 2005.
Radiofrequency ablation. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4682. Accessed January 15, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Craig Clark, DO, FACC, FAHA, FASE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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