The first Cryo-ablation technique was performed on a 53-year-old woman from Valanchari, Malappuram, at Aster Medcity, Kochi. The patient was placed in a critical condition with water in her chest due to an abnormal heartbeat. The doctors decided to perform Cryo-ablation, based on the patient's safety, critical condition and risk of developing the condition.

Dr Praveen Sreekumar, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Aster Medicity, Kochi, said, “The minimally invasive procedure is painless and completely safe compared to other heart surgeries. Once this innovative treatment process is completed, most patients can avoid medication. Patients who undergo this procedure with an accurate diagnosis at an early stage are less likely to have a recurrence of the disease."

Dr Anil Kumar, Head, Department of Cardiology, Aster Medicity, Kochi, explains, “Aster Medicty is one of the few centres in the country and the only hospital in South Kerala to successfully introduce Cryo-ablation therapy. We provide this treatment at a lower cost than neighbouring states and currently, five patients with heart disease are scheduled to undergo the cryoablation surgery.”