What is the difference between Cryo Ablation and Radio Frequency Ablation, i have been advised that the waiting list is shorter for the cryo ablation because the episodes of PAF are more frquent the EP sugested i have the cryo ablation rather than RF ablation which requires genearal aneathestic. He has also increased my medication from 5mg Bisprosol to 7.5mg and flecanide from 100mg to 150 mg.
What is the difference between Cryo A... - Atrial Fibrillati...
What is the difference between Cryo Ablation and Radio Frequency Ablation, i have been advised that the waiting list is shorter for the cryo
OK John, are you sitting comfortably.. Then I'll begin. (Listen with Mother 1948) RF ablation uses radio frequency to heat the tip of a catheter with which burns are made around the pulmonary veins where it is thought the rogue impulses start. Usually a line may also be drawn in dots across the atria lower down as well.
With cryo ablation, rather than a catheter with a radio tip a small balloon is inserted and usually liquid CO2 or similar used to freeze burn the area. By placing the cryo balloon in the entrance to the pulmonary veins a ring of freeze burn is created which many EPs believe is more robust than a series of dots.
Simples as the meerkat would say.
I'm sure you will find a fact sheet about this on the main website but that is it in 60 seconds.
Some EPs use a mix of both by the way.
I don't understand the comment about GA frankly. Many RF ablations are carried out under sedation rather than GA. I would always go for GA myself and was away with the fairies for all three of mine.
BobD
I thought I had had sedation for all 3 of my ablations, but was completely knocked out, and was asleep for nearly 12 hours afterwards. Could I be wrong, and it was a general anaesthetic? Hard to tell when it goes into your arm via canula. I still don't know what they actually did, bit short of information.
Any comments, please Bob? C.
Thanks for your reply's I have had further difficulties in the last few days. I keep getting dizzy spells and going very light headed to the point I nearly passed out when shopping with the wife. It seems worst in the morning although it happens all through the day. If it carries on I will have to go back to GP. Don't really know what's brought this on.