So what is Ultrasound-guided Cryoanalgesia?

It is the latest technological advancement in cryosurgery that was developed and continues to be refined by our doctors on this site.

The UltraCryo-trained surgeon uses an Ultra-high resolution magnifying Ultrasound to guide the Cryoprobe into place on the various nerve sites. In the hands of an experienced Cryosurgeon, the Ultra-high resolution Ultrasound allows for extremely accurate Cryoprobe placement leading to extremely high success rates after the Cryoanalgesia procedure. For all indications that Ultrasound-guided Cryo is used, the success rate is as high as 98% in the hands of the most experienced Cryosurgeons. Of the more than 150 Cryosurgeons in the country, only a very small handful use Ultra-high resolution Ultrasound guidance of the Cryoprobe.

Using ultrasound Cryo allows the Cryosurgeon to actually see the nerve structure as well as the vascular (blood vessel) structures nearby. The Ultrasound is used in Pulsed Doppler mode allowing for visualization of even the smallest vessels. This allows for proper precise positioning of the Cryoprobe on just the nerve trunk. Using Ultrasound Cryo allows us to visualize the iceball as it is formed. We can use the Ultrasound's high resolution to measure the size of the iceball. This allows us to accurately predict and control the size of the area of nerve we are performing the prolonged conduction block on. We can also measure the location of the nerve in relation to the nearby vessels and bony structures.

Ultrasound images taken during the Cryo procedure can be saved and may be used in the rare event that the procedure needs to be repeated. Those images from the previous procedure allow us to look back at the structures that may have contributed to recurrence of the pain or in rare instances, procedure failure. The use of the Ultrasound-guided Cryo allows us to see the involvement of scar tissue and bony prominences in the entrapment of the nerve. With this method, the cryosurgeon does not rely on blind probe placement and actual nerve tissue is all that is ablated or treated.

The Procedure

CryoPlantalis, CryoMax and UltraCryo are all safe, effective treatments for chronic foot pain, heel pain and neuromas.

How does the procedure work?

Using the pain-fighting power of super-low temperatures, Ultarsound-guided Cryo destroys inflamed and over-active nerves involved in chronic pain, allowing instant relief. The small, offending nerves are treated by super cooling compressed nitrous oxide through the cryoprobe. Certain parts of the inner nerve cell are frozen, killing the cell in a way that allows for future nerve regeneration, even as pain is eliminated. This procedure is unique as it is performed using an innovative technique known as Ultrasound Visualization.

The small, offending nerves are treated by super cooling compressed nitrous oxide through the cryoprobe. Certain parts of the inner nerve cell are frozen, killing the cell in a way that allows for future nerve regeneration, even as pain is eliminated.

What are the benefits of CryoPlantalis?

Many patients like the fact that the procedure allows them to stop using expensive pain medication and avoiding its side effects
Return to more fashionable footwear that is more enjoyable to wear and easier to match
Walk barefoot
Return to the sports, hobbies, and activities that pain had forced them to give up

How long does it take

Ultrasound cryo is fast and minimally-invasive. Once the procedure begins, most applications end in 15 minutes or less.

Is there any down time?

Most patients are back on their feet as soon as the procedure is over. However, each cryosurgeon will have different protocols after their procedures.

Ultrasound-guided cryo carefully identifies and destroys over-active pain sensing nerves. There is minimal damage to any surrounding tissue, hence minimal pain after the procedure.

Is this a new procedure?

The use of ultrasound-guided cryosurgery for heel and foot pain is relatively new. However, the technology has been around for over 20 years. Drs. Cavazos, Katz and Rampertab are the first podiatrists and foot surgeons to bring the procedure to an advanced level using ultrasound guidance. This has taken the procedure to new heights and increased success rates.

For more information, please see our doctors individual sites:

http://www.cryoplantalis.com         Dr. Cavazos, Texas

http://www.azcryo.com                  Dr. Rampertab, Arizona

http://www.tampacryosurgery.com   Dr. Katz, Florida