Which mechanism most immediately causes cell death during ablation?

• A. Ice formation
• B. Thermal diffusion
• C. Chemical toxicity
• D. Mechanical disruption

Answer: (A)

Ice formation during cryoablation directly injures cells. When tissue is rapidly frozen, ice crystals form inside and around cells, physically disrupting membranes and intracellular structures. This mechanical damage causes loss of membrane integrity and immediate necrotic cell death. Other mechanisms described—like thermal diffusion from heating, chemical toxicity, or purely mechanical disruption—don’t drive the immediate injury in freezing procedures; they’re either not involved or occur as downstream effects.