CVMC Expands Local Cancer Treatment Options with New Cryoablation Service

Canyon Vista Medical Center (CVMC) has expanded local cancer treatment options with the launch of cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy targeted tissue. The hospital recently completed its first two cryoablation procedures, making the treatment available locally for eligible patients who otherwise may have needed to travel outside the region for care.

The hospital’s interventional radiology team performs cryoablation using imaging technology to guide the procedure. For some types of cancer, the procedure uses a small incision and may provide an alternative to traditional surgery. Depending on the patient and diagnosis, the procedure may support shorter recovery times and allow some individuals to return home the same day.

The new service is the result of months of planning, training and collaboration across multiple hospital departments. Imaging and interventional radiology helped lead the effort with support from anesthesia, the operating room, materials management, environmental services, nursing, pharmacy, information technology, administration, physicians and other team members.

"This achievement reflects months of planning, collaboration and teamwork across the organization," said Jayme Clemons, director of diagnostic imaging at Canyon Vista Medical Center. "Many departments came together to help launch this service, from developing workflows and completing training to preparing equipment and supporting patient care. We are proud to offer another treatment option locally and help patients access care closer to home."

Following the first two procedures, Dr. Orlando Micheli, interventional radiologist, reflected on how advances in minimally invasive cancer treatment are changing the patient experience. “We find ourselves in an era in which patients with certain types of cancers can walk into IR, have a procedure, leave the same day, and likely leave the hospital without cancer."

The addition of cryoablation reflects the continued growth of CVMC's imaging and interventional radiology services and the hospital's commitment to expanding access to healthcare services throughout Cochise County.

"Expanding access to care is an important part of our mission of making communities healthier," said Scott Avery, chief executive officer of Canyon Vista Medical Center. "The introduction of cryoablation means eligible patients can receive another treatment option locally rather than traveling outside the county for care. For some patients, that may mean arriving at Canyon Vista in the morning for treatment and returning home later that day to recover. This milestone reflects the dedication of our teams and our commitment to bringing needed services closer to the communities we serve."

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