RF Ablation versus Cryoablation

Does anyone know what criteria are used to decide between an RF Ablation & Cryoablation please?

[BobD Volunteer]

It depends on the EP and the EP centre what equipment they have at their disposal and if the EP likes to use cryo. . Not all centres have facilities for cryo. I think it also depends on what they find when they get inside as I have heard of a combination RF and cryo on more than one occasion. The process is the same. ie making scar tissue. Some people think that because the cryo uses a balloon which often ensures a more complete burn around the PVs, then it is a better process but that assumes that the PVs are responsible for all the rogue impulses which they may not be. If that be so then the EP may have to use RF to draw a line across the atria as well. Hope that helps.

Bob

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I thought that cryo could be used to treat Flutter as well as PVI's. Is it correct, I wonder that cryo are safer because there is less danger of over burning ?

Sandra

[jennydog in reply to Hidden]

Cryo ablation would not have worked on me. I have conjoined veins which means a large entry hole into my heart instead of 2 small ones. The EP said that the cryo balloon would have been too small.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Sorry I don't know the answer to the safety issue .

[Ryan2012]

My doctor decide which at the best option.