Cryoablation is a procedure that is used to restore the normal rhythm by targeting the cells that cause irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation (AF)). This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin flexible tube is inserted called the balloon catheter which helps in identifying the problematic cells and freezes the cells or tissues that are responsible for an irregular heartbeat.
The classification of atrial fibrillation is generally made by the frequency and duration.The most common ones include:
Intermittent fibrillation: This type occurs in 2 or more episodes and heartbeat is restored within a few seconds or hours.
Persistent fibrillation: This type of fibrillation lasts for more than 7 days and it requires medical intervention.
Longstanding persistent fibrillation: This type can last for more than a year and can cause several symptoms that might impact daily life.
For many types of atrial fibrillation, cryoablation is an effective treatment option to restore the heartbeat.
There are several symptoms of atrial fibrillation that you should not ignore:
A fast heartbeat Severe fatigue Palpitations Dizziness Shortness of breath Chest tightness Unable to exercise When numerous chaotic electrical short circuits occur in the upper chambers of the heart, it is referred to as atrial fibrillation (AF). Flurries of electrical sparks from the veins that carry blood from the lungs into the left atrium can cause these, which come from the left atrium. We refer to these veins as the pulmonary veins.
Instead of pumping normally during AF, the upper chambers quiver due to the chaotic electrical activity in these chambers. The lower chambers pump at an abnormally irregular rhythm because they receive fast, irregular signals from above.
The complications of Atrial Fibrillation include:
A heat-based ablation technique called catheter ablation employs radiofrequency energy to destroy the heart cells that are responsible for an arrhythmia. Using this non-invasive technique, your heart’s map is produced instantly. The abnormal electrical signals that are causing an abnormal heart rhythm will then be blocked by your doctor using that information.
The main benefit of cooling the tissue with cryoablation is that EP doctors can precisely determine the area causing the irregular beat before permanently disabling the tissue. Usually in the catheter ablation there are chances of heat
affecting healthy cells. But in cryoablation this can be entirely avoided or prevented, making it the right choice of treatment for atrial fibrillation.
There are few restrictions you need to follow before undergoing the cryoablation procedure,
In case you are taking any medications for atrial fibrillation, talk to your doctor regarding the medications.
Talking to your cardiologist can help you with the right recommendations to follow before undergoing a cryoablation procedure.
Depending on the type of atrial fibrillation cryoablation is performed, this procedure involves several steps like:
You will be either given generator local anesthesia or a general anesthesia, depending on the condition and several factors.
Before beginning the procedure, small, thin tubes called the sheaths, are placed on each side of the groin area.
These sheaths help in easy insertion of the catheter. After placing the sheaths, the cryoballoon is then passed through the groin.
Once the catheter is at the target site (left atrium), the balloon is inflated near the abnormal site (Pulmonary vein).
Through the catheter, a special gas coolant is passed through which helps in freezing the target cells.
Once all the target cells are freezed, the catheter is carefully removed and the blood vessel is closed with firm pressure.
Cryoablation procedure may take about 1 hour, during and after the procedure you may need to lie down for a few hours after the procedure.
To relieve the soreness you may be recommended certain medications.
You may feel slight ache or heaviness in your heart cells where the cryoablation has been performed. This ache usually goes away within a day or two.
A little chest discomfort is common, but if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling of hands and legs, you may need to reach out to a doctor immediately.
After the procedure you may need to follow certain recommendations to help recover quickly,
Make sure not to put any pressure on the puncture site. Prevent the puncture site from getting wet. Take any medications if prescribed by the doctor.There are several advantages of cryoablation,
There are multiple studies that have demonstrated cryoablation's effectiveness in restoring normal heart rhythm, often eliminating the need for long-term medication.
Unlike traditional surgical interventions, cryoablation is performed using catheters inserted through small incisions, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
Cryoablation offers state-of-the-art treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heart beat), targeting of abnormal heart tissue while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue, leading to low risk of complications.
It is performed under anesthesia, so you may not feel any pain. It is possible that you will feel some discomfort when the cryoablation probe is inserted. Once the probe is positioned, you won't experience any pain, and there won't be any heat generated during the process.
It is performed under anesthesia, so you may not feel any pain. It is possible that you will feel some discomfort when the cryoablation probe is inserted. Once the probe is positioned, you won't experience any pain, and there won't be any heat generated during the process.
It is performed under anesthesia, so you may not feel any pain. It is possible that you will feel some discomfort when the cryoablation probe is inserted. Once the probe is positioned, you won't experience any pain, and there won't be any heat generated during the process.
It is performed under anesthesia, so you may not feel any pain. It is possible that you will feel some discomfort when the cryoablation probe is inserted. Once the probe is positioned, you won't experience any pain, and there won't be any heat generated during the process.
It is performed under anesthesia, so you may not feel any pain. It is possible that you will feel some discomfort when the cryoablation probe is inserted. Once the probe is positioned, you won't experience any pain, and there won't be any heat generated during the process.
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