Cryoneurolysis (Nerve Freezing) Specialist in Tampa, FL
What is Cryoneurolysis?
It is a specialized technique for providing long-term pain relief as the application of COLD to nerves, that creates a conduction block, similar to the effect of local anesthetics. Long-term pain relief from nerve freezing occurs because ice crystals create anatomical changes in the nerve to provide a conduction block of pain.
How is Cryoneurolysis performed?
This is an office procedure where the doctor would identify the nerve using an ultrasound, then numb the skin with lidocaine before doing the procedure. The target nerve is if frozen at -126 Fahrenheit for 106 seconds.
How long does the procedure take?
30 - 45 minutes.
How does Cryoneurolysis work?
Cryoneurolysis causes a “reversible” conduction block of pain signals of the target nerve.
How long does it take to see results and how long does it last?
Pain relief can be immediate or can take up to 3 weeks for it to take effect.
Average length of pain relief is around 90 days, and in some cases can last much longer.
How long does the pain relief last?
Average pain relief is around 90 days, though it could be much longer.
Is this therapy approved by FDA?
Yes, Cryoneurolysis is an FDA approved therapy for treating pain in peripheral sensory nerves.
What are the side effects?
Swelling, redness, local pain and/or tenderness, localized numbness, skin dimpling and rarely loss of motor function.
Who is a candidate for Cryoneurolysis?
Any one with acute, sub-acute and chronic pain involving the peripheral nerves could be a candidate. Please discuss with the physician to ascertain.
Should you stop any medications prior to Cryoneurolysis?
The doctor will discuss and give instructions. Most of the time you can continue taking your daily medications.
What are the risks/side effects of Cryoneurolysis?
Cryoneurolysis can result in complications and side effects, but no serious side effects or lasting nerve damage after treatment have been reported worldwide.
Complications
Cryoneurolysis is a very minor and virtually painless treatment, any time a needle is inserted through the skin, minor complications can occur in the form of:
Bleeding: This bleeding stops during the treatment.
Discolouration of the skin: This is merely transient and does not require further treatment.
Reddening: Usually disappears after a few days which can be hastened by using cold compresses.
Injection site infection: If infection should occur, an antibiotic might be required.
Side Effects
The only known side effect of Cryoneurolysis treatment is temporary numbness in the area that has been treated. This numbness usually disappears spontaneously in a few weeks, or in rare cases, over the course of a few months.
What is the cost of Cryoneurolysis?
Once the target nerve has been identified, the first nerve cryoneurolysis will be $1,200. This procedure is done under Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation which would be an additional $200
Scientific Articles Published by Dr. Kalava on Cryoneurolysis:
