Which type of ablation uses extreme cold to destroy tissue?

Cryoablation is the process that involves using extreme cold to destroy tissue. This technique typically utilizes liquid nitrogen or argon gas to achieve temperatures low enough to induce cell death through freezing. The extreme cold causes ice crystals to form within the cells, leading to cellular injury and ultimately, necrosis.

Cryoablation is particularly useful in treating various conditions such as tumors, abnormal tissue growths, and certain cardiovascular issues because it allows for targeted tissue destruction while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It is commonly used in fields such as oncology and dermatology for its effectiveness in precise applications.

Other methods, like radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and thermal ablation, utilize heat rather than cold to destroy tissue, differentiating them significantly from cryoablation in technique and application.