An enhanced method and device are provided to treat atrial fibrillation or inhibit
or reduce restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. A balloon-tipped
catheter is disposed in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty
immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure,
may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place.
A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon flows into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent
the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. A similar
catheter may be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the
balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon contacts at least a partial
circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium. In
another embodiment, blood perfusion is performed simultaneously. In another embodiment,
tissue contacted by the cryoablation catheter, undesired to be ablated, is protected
against damage by a separate heating step.
