Kylmäablaatio

Kylmäablaatio, also known as cryoablation, is a medical procedure used to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. It involves using extremely cold temperatures to freeze and damage the targeted cells. This process causes ice crystals to form within the cells, leading to their rupture and eventual death. The cold is typically applied through a specialized probe or catheter inserted into or near the affected area.

The procedure is minimally invasive and is commonly employed to treat various conditions. In cardiology, it is frequently used to correct certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia, by ablating small areas of heart tissue that are causing irregular electrical signals. In oncology, cryoablation can be used to treat certain cancerous tumors, particularly in the kidney, liver, and prostate, by freezing and destroying the malignant cells. It can also be used for benign conditions like uterine fibroids.

The benefits of cryoablation include its ability to precisely target tissue, a relatively quick recovery time for patients, and reduced risk of scarring compared to some other ablation techniques. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation. After the freezing process, the body gradually reabsorbs the destroyed tissue. While generally safe, potential risks include pain, bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding healthy tissues, though these are carefully managed by medical professionals.