Dignity Health: Performing Cryoablation in Arizona with Expertise

Cryoablation is a form of cardiac ablation used to treat an arrhythmia (i)rregular heartbeat. During this minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure, a cardiologist uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal heart tissue.

If you’d like to learn more about cryoablation in Arizona, Find a Doctor online today. Dignity Health offers this cardiovascular service at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Chandler Regional Medical Hospital, both nationally recognized leaders in heart and vascular care.

 

Why You May Need Cryoablation

Your doctor may recommend cryoablation if you have an abnormal heart rhythm. If your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, cryoablation can often treat the problem. You may be a candidate for this procedure if: 

  • You are at high risk of complications from your irregular heartbeat
  • Medicines haven’t worked
  • You had serious side effects from medicines
  • Your type of irregular heartbeat responds well to ablation

Cryoablation is also an emergency treatment for an irregular heartbeat that is life threatening. For more information about cryoablation, speak with a doctor at Dignity Health.

 

What to Expect with Cryoablation at Dignity Health

Your cryoablation is performed in a Dignity Health hospital. You’re sedated so you don’t feel any pain. Your doctor inserts a catheter (a) thin, flexible tube into an artery in your leg, arm, or neck and moves it towards your heart. Once the catheter is positioned, your doctor determines the location of the abnormal electrical signals and delivers very cold liquid to freeze the tissues causing your irregular heartbeat.

Cryoablation can take several hours. Once complete, you’ll need to lie still for a few hours. In some cases, you might need to stay in a cardiac care unit overnight for observation.

 

Cryoablation Recovery & Life Afterwards

Once home, you’ll need to rest and take it easy for several days. In most instances, you’ll be able to go back to work or your normal routine within a few days. Talk with your doctor about when you can return to strenuous activities, such as exercise.

Most cryoablation procedures are successful, but you should take extra steps to keep your heart healthy. Healthy lifestyle habits your doctor may suggest include:

  • Reducing stress
  • Quitting smoking
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet
  • Controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Being physically active
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

Check up on your heart health with our Heart Assessment Tool.

Cardiologists at Dignity Health provide complete heart and vascular care, including cryoablation, in Arizona.