ABSTRACT
The recognition that very cold temperature will destroy soft tissue is an old concept that had very limited applications in medicine until relatively recent imaging technology allowed more precise access to lesions other than superficial epithelial tumors. In conjunction with enhanced imaging, the practical application of cryoablation required technological development of other key components such as the freezing agent, the delivery mechanism, and the technique of safe and efficient treatment. Cryoablation was not considered as a potential treatment option for prostate disease until there was synergy with all of these components.
