Concierge cardiothoracic · UK
Cryoballoon AF ablation - pulmonary vein isolation for symptomatic paroxysmal AF.
A catheter procedure that freezes the tissue at the pulmonary vein ostia to isolate the AF triggers. UK EP consultants use cryoballoon or radiofrequency; both are NICE-recommended for symptomatic paroxysmal AF where medication has failed.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A subspecialty consultant
A UK cardiothoracic consultant matched to your case - not a generalist on a list.
- 02
Booked in days, not weeks
Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London and the major UK cities.
- 03
Independent, and free
We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private cryoballoon ablation costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
cryoballoon ablation in our network: £13,000–£20,000, results in Overnight stay.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cryoballoon AF ablation | £13,000–£20,000 | 90–120 min | Overnight stay |
| Consultant consultation | £200–£400 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Pre-procedure bloods | £80–£220 | 5 min blood draw | 24–72 hours |
| Follow-up review | £150–£300 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital, by consultant and by the complexity of your case.
The problem
The right cryoballoon ablation, at the right time - with the right consultant.
NHS pathways are excellent but capacity is stretched. Private care shortens the timeline and lets you choose the consultant.
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NHS waits are long
Median waits for elective work vary by region and specialty; private care shortens the timeline.
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The right consultant matters
Outcomes in cardiothoracic track with volume and subspecialisation - not just hospital brand.
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Insurer processes are opaque
We handle preauth, coding and any second-opinion requirements on your behalf.
The journey
From enquiry to follow-up - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through procedure and follow-up.
- 01
Before
Send us your history
Symptoms, prior tests, any letters - a short message is enough.
- 02
Before
Match to a consultant
A cardiothoracic consultant matched to your case, not a general list.
- 03
Before
Preparation instructions
Fasting, medication and consent guidance ahead of the visit.
- 04
On the day
The procedure
Cryoballoon AF ablation performed by your consultant in a CQC-registered unit.
- 05
On the day
Same-day observation
Nursing observation before discharge with written instructions.
- 06
After
Report and results
Consultant report within Overnight stay, sent to you and your GP.
- 07
After
Follow-up and plan
Next-step plan agreed at MDT where indicated.
When it helps
When cryoballoon ablation is the right step.
Situations where cryoballoon ablation is a reasonable next step in the UK.
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Symptomatic paroxysmal AF
After a trial of anti-arrhythmics, or as first-line by preference.
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Early persistent AF
Higher recurrence rate but still considered.
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Rate-control failure
Symptoms persist despite beta-blocker.
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Anti-arrhythmic side effects
Amiodarone toxicity, flecainide intolerance.
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Younger patients
Long-life burden favours a rhythm-control strategy.
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Athletic bradycardia with AF
Rhythm control preserves exercise capacity.
Procedure options
Options within cryoballoon ablation.
Technique and delivery vary by consultant and case.
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Cryoballoon
Single-shot balloon - shorter procedure, similar outcomes.
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Radiofrequency point-by-point
Bespoke lesion set for atypical anatomy.
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Pulsed field ablation (PFA)
Newest energy source - non-thermal, tissue-selective.
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Left atrial appendage closure add-on
Considered in selected patients.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of cardiothoracic consultants, we picked them.
UK consultants across London and the major cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
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CQC-registered hospitals and day units across the UK
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UK GMC-registered subspecialty consultants performing the procedure
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Same-week appointments including evenings and weekends where clinically safe
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Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
The safety profile is well understood - the honest bits are here.
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Phrenic nerve palsy
Cryoballoon-specific - usually transient; monitored intra-op.
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Cardiac tamponade
Rare; identified by intra-op imaging.
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Atrio-oesophageal fistula
Very rare late complication - awareness matters.
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Recurrence
20–30% at 1 year - a top-up procedure may be needed.
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Groin haematoma
Femoral access - expected mild bruising.
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Anticoagulation
Continued 2–3 months, then decided on CHA₂DS₂-VASc.
Reading your notes
Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre performs the procedure, the report keeps to the same shape.
- 01 Header
Indication and consent
Why the procedure was done, what was consented and any relevant history.
- 02 Findings
What was seen or done
The technical detail - anatomy, samples, devices used, measurements.
- 03 Assessment
Consultant interpretation
What the findings mean in your clinical context.
- 04 Impression
Summary and next step
Read this first - the bottom line and recommended follow-up.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Usually covered by UK private medical insurance when there is a specialist referral and a clear clinical indication.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cryoballoon ablation.
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How much does private cryoballoon ablation cost in the UK?
£13,000–£20,000 at our network centres - a firm quote depends on the consultant, unit and any add-ons. We share two or three options with cover checked.
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Is cryoballoon ablation covered by UK private medical insurance?
Usually yes with a specialist referral and clear indication. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna are the mainstream insurers we work with.
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How soon can I be booked?
Most patients are seen within a week; urgent cases the same week where clinically appropriate.
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Where is it performed?
In CQC-registered UK hospitals and clinics across London and the major cities. We match you to a consultant, not a switchboard.
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Will the NHS see the results?
Only if you ask us to share them. The report goes to you and - with your consent - your NHS GP.
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Is there an NHS pathway for this?
Yes, but waits vary by region. Private care is an option when timing, choice of consultant or symptom burden makes waiting unattractive.
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Consultation
Speak to a UK consultant.
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Second opinion
A senior UK consultant reviews your case.
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Insurer preauth
We handle the paperwork.
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Executive health screen
Whole-body private check.
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Conditions library
Guides for common conditions.
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