Cold Ablation (Cryoablation) Turkey 

    Cold ablation therapy is the freezing and destruction of the area of ​​the heart that causes arrhythmia. Rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, are one of the most common heart diseases. This ailment can occur in both children and adults. Arrhythmia treatment is usually done with rhythm-regulating drugs. Drugs provide regulation of heart rhythm during their use. However, they do not permanently correct rhythm disorders. Therefore, patients may have to use drugs throughout their lives.

    Another method used in the treatment of arrhythmia is ablation. The area of ​​the heart that causes arrhythmia can be completely removed with this procedure. Thus, the negative effects of the problematic area on the heart rhythm are also lost. The need for continuous drug use in many patients can be eliminated with ablation therapy.In this article, we will talk about cold ablation, which is one of the ablation methods, and how cold ablation is done. You can call us for detailed information about cold ablation, You can make an appointment with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Uz.

    What is Ablation?

    Ablation is a Latin word meaning “to destroy”. Ablation therapy is also used to eliminate the problematic area that causes arrhythmia in the heart.

    Two different methods can be used during ablation therapy. The first of these methods is the method known as Heat Ablation. In the heat ablation method, radiofrequency waves are used. Thanks to these waves, the area responsible for the heart rhythm disorder is heated. The problem area loses its vital activities by heating it up to 90 degrees. Thus, the negative effects on the heart rhythm are also caused.

    The other ablation method is cold ablation. Cold Ablation is also known as cryoablation in medical language. In the rest of our article, we will talk about the advantages of cold ablation and what diseases it can be used for.

    What is Cold Ablation?

    Cold ablation is the freezing of the area that causes heart rhythm disturbances, thus eliminating its negative effects on the heart. This application is also known as cryoablation in medical language.

    The cold ablation process is done with nitrogen gas, which is quite cold. With the help of this gas, the target area can be cooled down to -70 degrees. Thus, the problem area freezes and loses its vital activities. Before the cold ablation treatment, detailed examinations and examinations take place. The purpose of these examinations is to determine the cause of the arrhythmia and from which region. Thus, the suitability of the person for treatment is evaluated.

    To Whom Cold Ablation Can Be Performed?

    There is no limitation for the cold ablation procedure. This treatment can be applied to arrhythmia patients of all ages and genders. In particular, some types of rhythm disorders can be treated more successfully with cold ablation in young people.

    Which Diseases Is Cold Ablation Used To Treat?

    Cold ablation method can be used in the treatment of rhythm disorders such as:

    • Atrial fibrillation (AF)
    • Wolff – Parkinson – White Syndrome.
    • Atrial tachycardia (AT).
    • AVNRT (Av Nodal Re-Entran Tachycardia)

    What are the Advantages of Cold Ablation Treatment?

    The advantages of cold ablation therapy include:

    • The biggest advantage of ablation treatments is that they eliminate the need for drugs for patients who have to use rhythm-regulating drugs for life. This advantage also applies to cold ablation therapy. Rhythm-regulating drugs can often do their function properly. However, as with every drug, rhythm-regulating drugs have some serious side effects. The risk of experiencing these serious side effects may increase when used for long periods of time. In addition, medications may be delayed or forgotten by some patients. In case of disruption of arrhythmia drugs, serious health problems may be encountered. Cold ablation therapy has the potential to eliminate the need for medication for many patients.
    • Cold ablation therapy allows to work much safer than heat ablation. That’s because some types of arrhythmias occur very close to the heart’s electrical system. There is a low risk of damage to the electrical system of the heart during the heat ablation treatment to be applied to these areas. During cold ablation, this risk is practically non-existent.
    • Patients can be discharged and return to their daily lives after one night of hospitalization.

    How to Perform Cold Ablation?

    Cold ablation therapy is done under a state of deep sleep known as sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia may also be preferred. In both cases, patients do not feel pain and discomfort.

    During cold ablation therapy, the catheters required for the procedure are delivered to the heart through the veins in the inguinal region of the patient. When the catheter (thin cable) reaches the target area in the patient’s heart, the area is frozen in a controlled manner. Thus, the problematic area causing rhythm disturbance is eliminated.

    Cold ablation therapy can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the area where the arrhythmia originates. However, this period may take up to 4 hours for some people.

    What Should Be Considered After Cold Ablation Treatment?

    After cold ablation treatment, patients are hospitalized overnight. During this period, patients’ findings such as pulse and blood pressure are regularly checked. They are then discharged. There are some situations that patients should pay attention to after cold ablation, these are:

    • It is necessary to rest regularly for the period recommended by the doctor.
    • Heavy and strenuous physical activities should be avoided.
    • Sports activities should not be done for a while.

    The recovery process after cold ablation can vary from person to person. In this process, it is recommended to consider the doctor’s recommendations.