Cryo nerve ablation cuts pain, narcotic use after heart surgery

Editor's Note

A freezing technique applied during heart surgery is reducing pain, shortening recovery times, and minimizing the need for narcotics, News 9/CBS News August 13 reports. The procedure, called cryo nerve ablation, involves freezing nerves around the ribs to block pain signals for about 60 days. The nerves eventually regenerate, but the temporary disruption is long enough to help patients through the acute recovery period after open-heart surgery.

According to the article, David Caparrelli, MD, chief of cardiac surgery at Luminis Health, began using the technique with heart patients in 2021 after it had been applied in lung and chest wall surgical procedures. He noted up to 20% of heart surgery patients can develop narcotic dependence, and by avoiding opioids altogether, this risk is eliminated.

One patient underwent the procedure as part of his procedure for a 100% blockage. He reported managing pain solely with Tylenol, avoiding the stronger medications typically required after such surgeries. The outlet reports cryo nerve ablation not only reduces narcotic use but also lowers pain-related complications and shortens hospital stays. Dr Caparrelli added more hospitals are now adopting the approach, giving patients a smoother and safer recovery pathway.