Cryoablation for Arrhythmia
Our Approach to Cryoablation
One of the most effective treatments for atrial fibrillation (AFib) is cryoablation, which uses extreme cold to freeze heart cells that cause an irregular heartbeat. At Stanford, our arrhythmia team has led research in this treatment from its inception through the latest clinical trials.
We bring advanced, effective cryoablation therapy to our patients. Using the latest tools, which we helped invent, we provide expert care for people with AFib to improve their quality of life.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR CRYOABLATION
- Nationally recognized expertise with a long history and experience in developing cryoablation, a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment for AFib.
- In-depth clinical experience as the first arrhythmia team on the West Coast to use the standard tip cryoablation catheter and as expert trainers for other doctors around the country.
- Active research to advance cryoablation protocols and improve treatment outcomes, including ongoing participation in national clinical trials.
INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE SECOND OPINION?
The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. It’s all done remotely, and you don’t have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You don’t even need to leave home!
Visit our online second opinion page to learn more.
To request an appointment with one of our arrhythmia specialists, call: 650-723-7111.
What Is Balloon Cryoablation of AFib?
What to Expect
Catheter cryoablation works by using a special gas that travels through a thin tube called a catheter, which is inserted into the body and positioned at the site of the heart rhythm problem. Learn more about what to expect with cryoablation.
Before
During
After
Before the Procedure
Patients prepare for cryoablation in the same way patients would prepare for the EPS procedure. Patients will undergo a series of tests, including a blood test and an electrocardiogram. Please do not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the procedure.
Also, patients should consult with the electrophysiologist or arrhythmia nurse five days before the procedure to determine if they need to discontinue any medications. Once patients and the doctor have discussed the procedure and specific risks and had questions answered, patients will be required to sign an informed consent form.
During the Procedure
The cryoablation procedure is done in conjunction with an EPS. Cryoablation usually adds one to two hours to the procedure. During the electrophysiology procedure, we will reproduce the fast heart rhythm and attempt to identify the specific area in the heart that is initiating it.
Once we have located the area, doctors insert a catheter through a blood vessel and guide it to the heart. They then inflate a tiny balloon at the end of the catheter with a special gas coolant to freeze the atrial tissue triggering the arrhythmia. During one application, the cryoballoon is able to treat a large surface of atrial tissue.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, we remove the catheters and take patients to a monitored unit for observation. In most cases, we observe the patient’s heart monitor overnight. If there are no concerns in the morning, patients can go home.
Patients may experience slight chest pain for a few days following the procedure. If patients experience such a symptom, please notify us. Many patients experience skipped heart beats for several months following catheter ablation. If patients have a recurrence of the fast heart rhythm, patients should notify their regular doctor or contact us at 650-723-7111.
Before the Procedure
Patients prepare for cryoablation in the same way patients would prepare for the EPS procedure. Patients will undergo a series of tests, including a blood test and an electrocardiogram. Please do not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the procedure.
Also, patients should consult with the electrophysiologist or arrhythmia nurse five days before the procedure to determine if they need to discontinue any medications. Once patients and the doctor have discussed the procedure and specific risks and had questions answered, patients will be required to sign an informed consent form.
close Before
During the Procedure
The cryoablation procedure is done in conjunction with an EPS. Cryoablation usually adds one to two hours to the procedure. During the electrophysiology procedure, we will reproduce the fast heart rhythm and attempt to identify the specific area in the heart that is initiating it.
Once we have located the area, doctors insert a catheter through a blood vessel and guide it to the heart. They then inflate a tiny balloon at the end of the catheter with a special gas coolant to freeze the atrial tissue triggering the arrhythmia. During one application, the cryoballoon is able to treat a large surface of atrial tissue.
close During
After the Procedure
After the procedure, we remove the catheters and take patients to a monitored unit for observation. In most cases, we observe the patient’s heart monitor overnight. If there are no concerns in the morning, patients can go home.
Patients may experience slight chest pain for a few days following the procedure. If patients experience such a symptom, please notify us. Many patients experience skipped heart beats for several months following catheter ablation. If patients have a recurrence of the fast heart rhythm, patients should notify their regular doctor or contact us at 650-723-7111.
close After
Our Clinics
Our internationally recognized team includes highly trained electrophysiologists (specialists in disorders of the heart’s electrical system), surgeons, device nurses, and other care providers from several heart specialties. We offer exceptional care for people with all kinds of arrhythmias.
Cryoablation for Arrhythmia
Our highly experienced doctors are pioneers in developing catheter cryoablation, using extreme cold to treat atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias.
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