Balloon cryoablation is a method for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation that has developed as an alternative to radiofrequency ablation. The procedure is performed without a 3D mapping system, under X-ray control. A balloon with a diameter of 23 or 28 mm is placed at the ostium (mouth) of each pulmonary vein (heart usually has 4 of them) and then the inside of the balloon is cooled to -80 ᵒC. The potential benefits of cryoablation are shorter duration of the procedure in comparison to the radiofrequency ablation and the need for a single transseptal puncture. According to the results of studies done so far, success is similar to radiofrequency ablation.
Cryoballoon and Laso (Achieve) catheter
Cryoabaltion animation. (Source: Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA)
Treatment is available also at the Department for Cardiovascular disease of the Sisters of Mercy University Hospital Centre, whose team on March 9th, 2015 performed the first two cryoablation (Dr. Pavlović, Dr. Manola, Dr. Radeljić)
Team. From left to right: Ivana Mrmić, Monika Filipović, Šime Manola, Nikola Pavlović, Gordana Hursa, Marko Perković, Ivica Benko
Gallery
First cryoablations at Sisters of Mercy University Hospital Centre, March 9th , 2015
Aritmije KBCSM