Apollo Hospital Chennai brings “Cryo Balloon Ablation” technology, which offers a solution to a complex and common cardiac rhythm disorder called Atrial Fibrillation. Performs the first Cryo Balloon Ablation in Chennai of a 64-year-old lady.
Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist Dr A.M.Karthigesan from Apollo Main Hospitals have performed minimally invasive procedures on fifteen patients with atrial fibrillation, using the novel Cryo Balloon Ablation technology.
Atrial fibrillation, also known as AF, is an irregular heart rhythm that affects the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. In AF, the atrium quivers instead of beating normally. AF can also lead to rapid heart rhythm, where the heart can beat as much as 300 times a minute or more in the atria and up to 150 times a minute or more in the lower chambers (ventricles). Those with AF have a five-time greater risk of stroke and two times greater risk of heart failure than those with normal heart rhythms.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects more than 90 lakh Indians, which increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. In AF, electrical impulses (which dictate the heart rhythm) are fast and chaotic, leading to irregular heartbeats and making it less effective in pumping blood.
Explaining the functions of the Cryo balloon Ablation Technology at press conference on 13 May in Kolkata, Dr AM Karthigesan, a Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist at the Apollo Main Hospitals, Chennai said, “Cryo balloon Ablation” for AF is a new interventional procedure that is employed to control heart rhythms that are caused by abnormal electrical signals travelling from the pulmonary veins to the atria. An inflatable balloon that uses cold energy to remove heat from the tissue and disable unwanted electrical signals by creating a circle of scar tissue (also known as a lesion) around the pulmonary veins. A small incision in the groin area to insert the catheter to access the left atrium (upper chamber). The balloon is inflated and moved till the opening of the pulmonary vein, plugging the opening temporarily so the balloon is able to reach a cold enough temperature. The Cardiac Electrophysiologist then introduces cold energy (nitrous oxide) into the balloon. The cold energy freezes the tissue where the balloon touches the opening of the pulmonary vein. This scars the tissue, stopping the transmission of electrical signals that cause atrial fibrillation. ” Early ablation treatment with Cryo Balloon gives better quality of life and reduces the risk of heart failure and stroke in AF patients.
Speaking at the conference, Dr A.M.Karthigesan said, “For decades, Apollo Hospitals has been bringing new life-saving services and procedures to the people to improve their health and wellness. This new procedure is another reminder of that commitment.”