Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation – Focus on Cryoablation
Atrial fibrillation ablation is a medical procedure aimed at curing atrial fibrillation (AF or Afib).
In AF, particularly in the form of AF which is intermittent (or paroxysmal AF), the problem is mainly due to extra electrical activity arising from the pulmonary veins which drain blood full of oxygen back into the left atrial chamber. There are 4 pulmonary veins, the left upper and lower, and the right upper and lower veins, and within any of these veins, there can exist cells which can fire rapidly, triggering AF.
The figure below shows a view of the heart from the back (imagine looking at your heart through your spine). Outlined are the left atrium (LA), and the 4 pulmonary veins.
The goal of ablation is electrically isolate these pulmonary veins, which can be done either using heat or radiofrequency of pulsed field ablation energy, or cold using cryoablation.
Cryoablation Or Radiofrequency Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation: Which Is Better?
The short video below highlights how a particular form of ablation, cryoablation is performed to isolate the pulmonary veins electrically and potentially lead to cure of atrial fibrillation.
He must be noted that ablation is only one strategy to help improve long-term maintenance of normal rhythm (also known as sinus rhythm), and it is important that patients understand that there are other risk factors that contribute to progression and development of atrial fibrillation which includes hypertension, diabetes, sleep disturbances, and stress. All of these factors should also be attended to with lifestyle based approach, as well as taking medications as directed by your doctor to help improve the risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation.
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