Cryoablation

Cryoablation is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy or damage tissue. It is also known as cryosurgery or cryotherapy. This procedure is used in a variety of clinical contexts, including dermatology, kidney, prostate, and liver diseases, and certain types of cancer.

Procedure

Cryoablation is performed using a cryoprobe, a thin wand-like device that is inserted through the skin and directly into the diseased tissue. The cryoprobe is cooled with substances like liquid nitrogen or argon gas to create an iceball, which freezes and destroys the targeted tissue.

Uses

Cryoablation is used in the treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions. These include:

• Dermatology: Cryoablation is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including warts, moles, skin tags, and certain types of skin cancers.
• Cancer: Cryoablation is used to treat certain types of cancers, including kidney, prostate, and liver cancers. It is often used when surgery is not an option.
• Cardiology: In cardiology, cryoablation is used to treat certain types of heart rhythm disorders.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, cryoablation carries some risks and potential complications. These may include pain, infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby healthy tissue. In rare cases, cryoablation may cause more serious complications, such as organ damage.

See Also

• Cryosurgery
• Cancer treatment
• Dermatology
• Cardiology

References

Cryoablation Resources
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