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.