AF

What is the success rate for cryoablation; is the result of the procedure immediate or prgressive? Will one need to stay on mdication even after the procedure?
Thank you,
Babar

[Jerry_NJ]

First I have heard of "cryoablation", seem others are in the same "boat".

But, doing a search I find there are some threads in this collection of forums:
http://www.medhelp.org/search?query=cryoablation&camp=top_nav_search

[curmudgen]

I believe the big difference is in the procedure and not the recovery. Here is a good web site for some info - http://heartracing.com/physicians/cryo.vs.rf.asp

[cindy707]

HI i read your post...cryo is one of the most common of procedures done for ablations...its is the use of freezing to take care of your issues.  The two top choices are either cryo or RF's or radio frequency waves.  I had cryo about 4 years ago for a VERY severe case of AF and it was a complete success basically.  This procedure was actually developed specifically for AF way back in the day and is now a no brainer non invasive procedure.  As far as the success rate...the bottom line is that it falls with your doctor to give you that percentage but if the doc says you are in the 70% or higher range the word of the day is to go for it because stats show that people who are in or above that percentile have a very high incidence of "cure" rate.  The procedure is pretty much immediate but can take up to six months for the random incidents to abate but trust me they are far and few between...if you have a couple of episodes after the procedure where you feel your heart is a little jumpy from time to time the doc can give you a low dose beta blocker to take the edge off until your heart is done healing and is not irritable anymore.  Remember an ablation is a cure not a treatment and most people don't need meds after the procedure and the healing is done.....congrats on taking the leap and you if your doc says are in the upper percentile are about to get your life back.....you can message me if you have any questions however alot of the community members have had the cryo done........yayyyyyy

[tom_h]

When I was consulting with my EP prior to the procedure, I inquired about cryo-ablation vs. RF ablation.  He said that for him cryo-ablation is there as an option.  But he preferred to use RF energy as it burns deeper than cryo, and results in fewer return procedures.  He went on to say that he felt there were instances such as location, and type of arrhythmia that warrant the use of a cyro catheter, but he only used it when absolutely necessary.