Cardiac Catheter Cryoablation

(Cryotherapy; Cryoablation)

by Elizabeth A. Peterson, MFA

Definition

Cryoablation uses extremely cold temperature to destroy cells. Cardiac catheter cryoablation is used to destroy selected heart cells.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to disable heart cells that are creating an irregular heartbeat called arrhythmias. After the procedure, normal heart rhythm should be restored.

Possible Complications    TOP

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:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Pain at the catheter insertion site
  • Blot clot formation
  • Injuries to blood vessels or the heart
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Heart attack
  • Heart tear

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Your level of risk may be related to the specific arrhythmia that you have and any underlying medical conditions.

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

  • Perform electrophysiology studies to pinpoint the location of the abnormal rhythms
  • Instruct you to stop taking medications previously used to control your arrhythmia
  • Prescribe medication to prevent clotting

Leading up to your procedure:

  • Do not to eat or drink anything for up to eight hours before the procedure.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic will be given by needle. It will numb the area where a tube called a catheter 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.

Description of 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.

Pathway of Catheter Toward the Heart

PIB image for cryoblation
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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. When 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.

Immediately After Procedure

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 directions.

How Long Will It Take?

3-6 hours or longer

How Much Will It Hurt?

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.

Average Hospital Stay

Most patients stay overnight for further observation. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

  • The catheter insertion site may be bruised and sore.
  • If the groin area was used as the insertion site, you will be instructed to lie in bed with your legs out straight.
  • If the wrist or arm was used as the insertion site, you will not need to stay in bed.
  • The insertion site will be monitored for signs of bleeding, swelling, or inflammation.
  • Your vital signs will be monitored.

At Home

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Take aspirin as prescribed. It is often recommended for 2-4 weeks. This will help to reduce the risk of clot formation at the ablation sites.
  • Return to any usual light activities, such as walking or taking the stairs. Refrain from heavy lifting or any strenuous activity for 24 hours. In most cases, you will be able to return to your normal activity level within a few days.
  • Schedule a follow up visit with your doctor. The catheterization sites will need to be checked.

This procedure has an extremely high success rate and a low recurrence and complication rate. But, if you:

Call Your Doctor    TOP

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the point of catheter insertion
  • Your leg feels cold, turns white or blue, or becomes numb or tingly
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Discomfort in the jaw, chest, neck, arms, or upper back
  • Lightheadedness or weakness

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

Ablation for arrhythmias. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov. Updated November 8, 2012. Accessed August 8, 2013.
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://publication.... Accessed August 8, 2013.
6/3/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed August 2013 by Michael J. Fucci, DO; Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 5/11/2013