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CryoTherapy
By using freezing temperatures instead of the traditional method of heating or cauterizing the heart cells, physicians can treat the affected area without damaging healthy tissues of the heart. CryoTherapy is being used at Wolfson Children's Hospital to treat potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
An arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat, a condition that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. The irregularity can be a heartbeat that is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). It is caused by a change or interruption in the heart's normal reception and distribution of electrical impulses.
CryoTherapy is a minimally invasive procedure during which a physician neutralizes the malfunctioning cells that interfere with the heart’s electrical impulses by freezing the affected area.
Pediatric Cardiologist
Randall Bryant, MD
began performing the CryoCath procedure in 2003. Bryant says a benefit of CryoTherapy is that unlike cauterizing therapy where heat is used to destroy tissue, physicians can test an area of the heart to ensure they are in the correct location before performing the procedure.
How it works
Doctors insert a series of tiny catheters into the neck or groin of the patient through a small incision. The catheters are then guided through a vein and into the patient’s heart.
When the physician is confident they are at the point where they can stop the electrical impulse, they run a test to be certain they are in the correct area. If the area is not precise, the physician can restore the heart cells to their normal function and move the catheter to another area.
CryoTherapy works better with some arrhythmias than others.
What is an Arrhythmia?
Various types of arrhythmia exist depending on what part of the heart is affected and how they originate. The causes of arrhythmia also vary but can generally be divided into two categories: malfunctions in the electrical impulses that cause the heart muscle to beat; or physical problems with the heart, such as atherosclerosis, damage from a heart attack, or congenital heart defects. Lifestyle may also play a role in the development of arrhythmias.
Untreated arrhythmias are a serious medical condition. If left untreated, they can be the cause of serious heart problems and even lead to death. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing more serious health problems.
Symptoms of arrhythmia vary depending on the cause of the problem and what part of the heart is affected. Common symptoms include palpitations (what some may refer to as a "galloping" heartbeat), the sensation of skipped heartbeats, dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath and angina, or chest pain or pressure. Please be aware, however, that a person may have an arrhythmia and show no symptoms at all.
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