University Medical Center of El Paso (Texas) physicians began using the C2 Cryoballoon to treat Barrett's Esophagus, the El Paso Herald Post reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. The Cryoballoon treatments get rid of diseased tissue by freezing it away. The balloon releases cold nitrous oxide to the affected area, targeting the diseased tissue.
2. The treatment leaves healthy tissue untouched.
3. Since the hospital began offering the Cryoballoon treatment, Antonio Mendoza-Ladd, MD, has treated three patients with it.
Dr. Mendoza-Ladd said to the Herald Post, "This is important for our community so we are able to treat patients ... before they develop to a more severe stage. With this treatment we can treat the affected areas before a patient gets cancer and save them from surgery, chemotherapy and even save lives."