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Cryoablation therapy, minimally invasive procedure for cancers and pain

Cryoablation

Minimally invasive treatment option

What is cryoablation therapy?

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to treat certain tumors and other abnormal tissue1.  The procedure is usually performed by an Interventional radiologist.

During the therapy, a doctor places a thin probe into the targeted area and carefully freezes the targeted tumor or tissue. This freezing process helps destroy the unwanted cells, while limiting damage to nearby healthy tissue 2,3,4. Imaging guidance is used throughout the procedure to help ensure accuracy and control.

Because cryoablation is minimally invasive, it often involves small incisions or needle-based access, rather than traditional surgery.

How does cryoablation therapy work?

The cryoablation therapy involves several steps:

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Your doctor places the Treatment Needle Safely
First, imaging technologies (computed tomography and/ or ultrasound) are used to insert at least one thin needle into the lesion. 

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 An Ice Ball is created and the lesion Frozen
The noble gas argon is then passed through the needle(s). Extreme cold creates an “ice ball” that encompasses the tumor or the abnormal tissues and a margin of surrounding tissue. The cancer cells are destroyed through controlled freezing.

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Your doctor will move through a gentle thawing and re‑freezing
After freezing, the tissue is thawed again and possibly frozen a second time, resulting in extensive destruction of the cancer or abnormal cells.

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Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, your doctor will remove the needle(s) and will cover the puncture site with a bandage. 

Conditions cryoablation may be used to treat

Cryoablation is a well-established treatment option that has been used for many years2. Its safety and effectiveness are supported by a large body of published medical research across a range of conditions, such as:

Cryoab;ation Renal Icon

Kidney
Cancer
Learn more

Cryoablation Breast Icon

Breast
Cancer
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Cryoablation Endometrioisis

Abdominal Wall
Endometriosis
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Cryoablation Lung

Lung
Cancer
Coming soon

Cryoablation MSK

Bone & Other
Soft Tissues (MSK)
Coming soon

Cryoablation Bone

Prostate
Cancer
Coming soon

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What you might expect before, during, and after treatment

Cryoablation is often performed as a same-day outpatient procedure, meaning many patients go home the same day. Depending on the treatment area and individual needs, the procedure may be done using conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Because cryoablation is minimally invasive, many patients experience:

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Low procedure complication rate
with an overall significant complication rate of 6 %, similar to other ablative modalities and better than surgical options.5, 7

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Short or no hospital stay and quick recovery to normal activities
Some patients were monitored in the recovery room 3 hours and could leave the hospital 1 day later if no complications occurred. 5,6,9

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Safe Repeated procedure if needed
Cryoablation is safe, repeatable with effective outcomes including after a different treatment type10, 11

Hear more about patient's experience with cryoablation therapy

David's kidney cancer story

Eugenia's Abdominal wall Endometriosis story

These materials describe real personal experiences. Individual results may vary. Patients can experience varying levels of complications or hospital stay lenght.
Consult with your physician to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure and what you may gain from the therapy.

Is cryoablation right for me? 

You should discuss with your physician whether cryoablation is a treatment option for you.

Only a physician experienced in cryoablation procedures can confirm if you are a suitable candidate for cryoablation. The size and location of your tumor(s) and your general health will all be factors in the decision.

Discuss with your physician all the options that are available to you and how they compare to cryoablation. 

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Are there any risks associated with cryoablation treatment?

Your doctor will inform you that every medical procedure involves risks. Before undergoing cryoablation therapy, discuss all potential risks, benefits, indications, contraindications, and alternatives with your doctor who will define whether this treatment is appropriate based on your individual health situation. 

DISCLAIMER

This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

Caution:
The law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician. Indications, contraindications, warnings, and instructions for use can be found in the product labelling supplied with each device or at www.IFU-BSCI.com. Products shown for INFORMATION purposes only and may not be approved or for sale in certain countries. This material not intended for use in France.

References:

  1. Data in file
  2. Kunkle DA, Uzzo RG. Cancer 2008; 113(10): 2671-80
  3. Rodriguez R, Cizman Z, Hong K et al. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2011; 34: 573-8
  4. Guazzoni G, Cestari A, Buffi N et al. Urology 2010; 76: 624-9
  5. Georgiades CS, Rodriguez R. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2014; 37(6): 1494-9
  6. Buy X, Lang H, Garnon J et al. Am J Roentgenol 2013; 201(6): 1353-61
  7. Allaf ME, Varkarakis IM, Bhayani SB et al. Radiology 2005; 237(1): 366-70
  8. Breen DJ, Bryant TJ, Abbas A et al. BJU Int 2013; 112: 758-65
  9. Littrup P, Ahmed A, Aoun H et al. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2007; 18: 383-92
  10. Okhunov Z, Chamberlin J, Moreira DM. J Endourol 2016 Jun; 30(6): 632-7
  11. Morgan MA, Roberts NR, Pino LA et al. Can J Urol 2014; 20(5): 6933-7
  12. Atwell TD, Callstrom MR, Farrell MA et al. J Urol 2010; 184: 1291-5
  13. Rosenberg MD, Kim CY, Tsivian M et al. Am J Roentgenol 2011; 196:
  14. Bachour R, Sengmanivong N, Vidal F, Goumarre C, Lapègue F, Destombes L, Gandois HC, Gac YTL, Chantalat E, Capdet J, Blais D, Guenego A, Sans N, Bilfeld MF. Percutaneous cryoablation of abdominal wall endometriosis: An analysis of 38 patients. Diagn Interv Imaging. 2024 Sep;105(9):319-325. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2024.02.010. Epub 2024 Mar 11. PMID: 38467523