Hey guys I’m just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the pros and cons of the types of ablations. I’ve been offered ablations by two different EPs and one want to do an RF and the other wants to do a cryoablation. I am so lost on who to pick and also keep in mind my heart is not normally structured I have HCM.
Thank you kindly
Zein
Short answer is that Cryo has caught up with RF with the advantage of a shorter procedure time. That said, the ep him/herself has to be a key part of your decision. Especially how many ablations they perform a year, as well as their reputation and how you relate to them. Not familiar with HCM so not sure how that would affect the decision.
Jim
I am from Canada just wondering what the cost generally is for an a Ablasin. May have some coverage in the US so I’m considering looking into getting it done there
I have Medicare so it's free. You might want to contact "Chriss7" , also from Canada, who has done some research, so she should have some prices. Here is a recent post of hers.
My understanding is that cryo is limited in the areas which it can ablate and is initially used for pulmonary vein isolation. If more extensive areas require ablation then Radio frequency comes into the picture
Jalia said: My understanding is that cryo is limited in the areas which it can ablate and is initially used for pulmonary vein isolation. If more extensive areas require ablation then Radio frequency comes into the picture
------------------------------
Yes and Most ep's who do a cryo PVI also do RF for other areas, if needed.
Jim
You need to check how experienced the EPs are. Cryo tends to be used by less experienced EPs. They should be doing at least 100 ablations a year. Also ask the cryo EP what he does if the errant triggers are outside the PVs or a PV is too large (risk of phrenic nerve injury).
I was told by my EP who practices at a large hospital where they only do RF ablations because they believe they are simply better in reaching all areas of the heart that need ablating. I knew in addition to having AFib that I also had A Flutter. Cryo cannot go into the right atrium where much of A Flutter originates. With RF there is a chance of damaging the esophagus since it is so close to the heart and the heart gets so hot. But large facility hospitals that do a lot of ablations are highly equipped in cooling down the heart and monitoring the levels of heat during the procedure. And an experienced EP knows how to avoid potential problems. Or respond quickly if something does occur.
RF ablation time in lab 
RF Ablation Under Sedation
Cryoballoon and RF Ablation
RF Balloon Ablation Done!
RF Ablation tomorrow!
