Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Percutaneous balloon cryoablation for pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation.
Description
Atrial fibrillation is the irregular and rapid beating of the upper two chambers of the heart (the atria). This is caused by the disorganisation of the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat as a result of electrical triggers that may originate at the mouth of the pulmonary veins (large blood vessels that carry blood from the lungs to the left atrium). Typical symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue. Complications can include stroke. This procedure uses a probe attached to a balloon catheter to freeze tissue in one of the chambers on the left side of the heart. The aim is to produce scarring, which may interrupt the electrical signals and help regulate the heartbeat.
Coding and clinical classification codes for this guidance.