At what temperature is cryomapping performed for it to remain reversible?

Cryomapping is a technique used in medical procedures, particularly in cardiology, to assess areas of the heart tissue by temporarily freezing them without causing permanent damage. The goal is to achieve a temperature at which the tissue can be evaluated, and if necessary, the effects can be reversed.

The correct temperature for cryomapping to remain reversible is -32°C. At this temperature, the cellular structures of the tissue begin to exhibit reversible changes without inducing irreversible damage. This allows for the temporary cessation of physiological function in the targeted area while preserving the integrity of the tissue for potential recovery.

At temperatures above this range, such as -20°C or -10°C, while cooling can have beneficial effects in terms of temporarily reducing tissue activity, the likelihood of inducing irreversible cellular damage increases. Similarly, at temperatures significantly lower than -32°C, irreversible freezing or cryonecrosis can occur, which would affect the potential for recovery.

Thus, performing cryomapping at -32°C strikes a balance between effectiveness in assessing tissue function and ensuring the reversibility necessary for tissues to regain normal function post-mapping.