NON-SURGICAL, NEXT GENERATION CRYOABLATION TECHNOLOGY- A BOON FOR CANCER PATIENTS 

Delhi: Cryoablation, a precise and minimally invasive medical procedure that utilizes extreme cold, guided by imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scan, to freeze and effectively eliminate unhealthy tissue within the tumor area is now available in India. The availability of this treatment in India brings a sense of relief to cancer patients. This technology is the brainchild of an Israeli company, IceCure Medical. Its flagship product, ProSense freezes tumours quickly and with minimal pain. It uses liquid nitrogen (LN2) for maximum freezing, safety, and efficacy. NovoMed Incorporation Pvt Ltd is the authorized distributor of IceCure Medical in India.

In the process of cryoablation, a thin, needle-like probe known as a cryoprobe is inserted into the target area. Liquid nitrogen is used as a coolant, which cools the temperature of the surrounding tissue. The freezing of the tissue leads to the formation of ice crystals, resulting in damage and elimination of the cells. Due to extreme cold temperature the abnormal cells are freezed and eradicated. 

The specific application of cryoablation varies depending on the particular medical condition under treatment. It is frequently applied in the management of both benign and malignant tumors, encompassing various types such as breast cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, bone tumors, soft tissue tumors, and other forms of tumors. 

Cryoablation offers numerous benefits in comparison to other treatment methods.  It can be performed under local anaesthesia, eliminating the necessity for general anesthesia in many cases. As a minimally invasive procedure, it requires only a small incision or needle puncture leading to reduced body trauma and quicker recovery when compared to open surgery. Additionally, cryoablation is known for its relatively high precision, allowing for targeted treatment of the abnormal tissue while safeguarding surrounding healthy tissue

Cryoablation has several advantages over other treatment methods. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires only a small incision or needle puncture, resulting in less trauma to the body and faster recovery times compared to open surgery. It can be performed under local anaesthesia, eliminating the need for general anaesthesia in many cases. Additionally, cryoablation is relatively precise, allowing for targeted treatment of the abnormal tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Hospital stay is not required in most cases. In many cases, hospitalization is not necessary.

Dr Ajit Yadav, Consultant, Interventional Radiologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, averred, “Cryoablation is a minimally invasive technique that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue, such as tumours or abnormal cells, by freezing them. It has gained popularity in recent years and has become an important tool in the arsenal of interventional radiologists for ablation of various tumours. One of the significant advantages of cryoablation is its ability to precisely target and destroy abnormal tissue while preserving surrounding healthy structures. This level of precision is particularly crucial when dealing with tumours located near vital structures, such as blood vessels, nerves, or organs. Cryoablation offers a non-surgical alternative for patients who may not be suitable for traditional surgery or who prefer a less invasive treatment option. Another benefit of cryoablation is its versatility. It can be used in various areas of the body, including the liver, kidney, lung, prostate, breast, and bone. This adaptability allows interventional radiologists to treat a wide range of conditions using the same technique. Cryoablation has shown promising results in the treatment of small renal tumours, liver tumours, and early-stage breast cancer, among other conditions. Additionally, cryoablation is a relatively safe procedure with minimal complications. The use of imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, during the procedure helps ensure accurate placement of the cryoablation probes and enhances patient safety. The recovery time is typically shorter compared to traditional surgery, and the procedure can often be performed on an outpatient basis, reducing hospital stays and overall healthcare costs.”

Recently, the Kovai Medical Center in Coimbatore has introduced cryoablation therapy as a new treatment option. Jay Mehta, Director-Sales, NovoMed Incorporation Pvt Ltd, stated, “We are indeed very happy to facilitate the availability of this futuristic and revolutionary technology in India.  The Indian populace should take maximum advantage of the same and freeze cancer in its tracks.”