Longer-term relief from chronic pain.

Cryoablation is a process where a special device is used to freeze nerves and block pain signals. It is used for patients who suffer from chronic neuropathic pain and have not shown sufficient response to conventional methods of pain relief. In this process a “cryoprobe”, is inserted through the skin to the nerve causing pain. A coolant is circulated through the probe, not entering the nerve, but freezing the area around it. The nerve fibres are coated in a myelin sheath which is destroyed during this process, meaning that the nerves can no longer communicate pain signals to the brain. Although the myelin will repair itself over time, Cryoablation can provide sustained pain relief for anywhere up to 12 months. 

Key Information

• Cryoablation is used on patients suffering from chronic pain if they are not responding to conventional methods of pain relief
• It is a very safe procedure – both minimally invasive and low risk
• Although longer-term, the effects of Cryoablation are not permanent and most patients will need to repeat the procedure every 3-6 months