Taking care of immunity during the pandemic

The ability to freely take care of our physical condition and the good condition of our muscles and to reduce stress thanks to moderate physical exercise has been ruined for many people. Staying at home is and will be our new everyday life for a long time. Of course, another bike or treadmill put in the house, Internet programs and exercises in front of the monitor have also become a trend. They are very effective and recommended by experts in medicine and physical culture. But what should those people do who don't feel like doing a home "cardio workout" on a treadmill or have too little space in front of the TV to perform the acrobatic figures proposed by the trainers?

Why is it so important to maintain good physical condition during the epidemic?

The starting point is the fact that the poorly known lymphatic system in today's new everyday life can be an important point in the prevention of infections. A person with a well-functioning immune system, if infected, has a greater chance of surviving the effects of the virus mildly than a person with lower immunity. Of course, many factors such as lifestyle, diet, medications, and comorbidities have an impact on our immunity. However, underestimated lymphatic system quietly fights for our immunity 24 hours a day. It is worth strengthening, stimulating and taking care of it, especially when we are at home more often, which reduces our physical fitness.

What is the lymphatic system?

It cooperates with the circulatory system and participates in the transport of lymph. Lymph is a watery interstitial fluid that transports proteins, electrolytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes control attacks on microorganisms and pathogens that are dangerous to health and life.

Lymph is transported throughout the body in normal human functioning conditions by skeletal muscle contractions. Limited movement resulting from the current fight against the virus and a sedentary lifestyle at home are risk factors that affect its insufficient circulation. This in turn affects the risk of lowering the human immunity. Lymphocytes are dormant, lazy and can ignore or not respond quickly enough to pathogens appearing in the body, including viruses. A reduced immune response allows them to multiply and spread.

An inefficient lymphatic system and lack of stimulation can cause swelling. Swelling, in turn, causes further water retention in the body (cellulite is formed). Swelling in muscle tissue causes excessive muscle tension, tenderness and pain. This is caused by excessive adhesion of the fascia to the muscle.

How does the lymphatic system work?

The smallest structures of the lymphatic system are capillaries. Their role is to collect tissue fluid from the intertissue space. Tissue fluid (lymph) containing e.g. water, proteins, large amounts of lymphocytes (immune cells) enters the circulatory system in order to exchange substances between it and the blood. Recognized harmful substances are collected and exchanged between the blood and lymph and carried to the lymph nodes in the lymphatic system, from where they are transported further to neutralize them. This process occurs on the basis of the difference in pressure between blood capillaries, where there is high pressure, and venous vessels with lower pressure. This one-way movement of the fluid is controlled by valves.

The place where the lymphatic system meets the circulatory system is the so-called thoracic duct, whose role is to collect lymph from the upper left part of the body and the entire lower part, transporting it further to the left subclavian vein, and the right lymphatic duct collecting lymph from the upper right part of the body.

What the lymphatic system likes and dislikes.

Proper lymph and blood circulation takes place through the work of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and is supported by the contraction of skeletal muscles. Physical activity, exercise of moderate but regular intensity keeps blood and lymph circulation at an optimal level. All immune processes related to circulation and lymph exchange are preserved and our body is efficient and ready to fight, for example, infections.

A sedentary lifestyle, reluctance to exercise or limited possibilities of active exercise due to restrictions on gathering and movement caused by the epidemic do not activate our immune system. The most immediately observable effect of the lack of proper circulation is swelling of the lower limbs (foot, calf) and upper limbs (fingers, hand, arms), a feeling of heavy legs caused by stagnation and the appearance of cellulite. Accumulating fluid causes skin deformation not only on the lower limbs, but also on the abdomen, buttocks, arms. The skin becomes bulging, wrinkled and of different colors. The effect of such a condition is the appearance of watery cellulite for the skin and varicose veins or even chronic venous insufficiency for the circulatory system.The problems do not only affect the elderly, overweight or obese. It is equally likely that these problems occur in young and slim people who do not take sufficient care of the proper condition of their muscles and are immobilized. Additional contributing factors are stress, excess alcohol, smoking, and the use of contraceptives.

Lymphatic drainage as a prophylaxis of lymph stagnation during an epidemic.

Lymphatic drainage is a technique that supports and activates lymph drainage. Since it is not an ordinary massage technique, it must be performed manually by a qualified physiotherapist in a health center or professional aesthetic medicine and cosmetology studios. Physiotherapists have a difficult ability to perform these procedures in their practices. Rehabilitation at home is limited or even impossible. However, lymphatic drainage can be performed at home with the use of "artificial intelligence" integrated into the BOA 2 MAX medical device for lymphatic drainage and sequential pressure massage (pressotherapy). It does not require the presence of a physiotherapist and there is no need to leave home. In addition to stimulating the lymphatic system, it was created to support muscle function, "muscle gymnastics" and provide them with oxygen, absorb metabolic substances, reduce body fat, eliminate swelling, reduce cellulite, reduce stress, improving sleep quality.

History of the BOA device

In the 1990s, Metrum Cryoflex designed the world's first sequential lymphatic drainage device for people with an inefficient lymphatic system, including patients after oncological surgeries, which supports or replaces manual lymphatic drainage at home. Several thousand of Polish BOA series devices are used in physiotherapy clinics, sanatoriums, aesthetic medicine and cosmetology clinics in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Scandinavia, and the USA. The "Amazons" who require daily lymphatic drainage use our devices at home, reducing the need to visit physiotherapists.

The BOA series devices are Polish products, completely constructed by a medical company and certified in accordance with the European Union Medical Directive. The Metrum Cryoflex R&D team was focused on the quality and safety of the treatment while constructing the BOA series together with medical specialists. Treatment algorithms, control of valve operation and air flow through the chambers, as well as the pressure difference in individual chambers are consistent with the anatomical structure and physiological function of the vascular-cardiac and lymphatic systems. No other device have such technologically advanced solutions used to maintain the highest level of safety of the procedure and high effectiveness. The treatment algorithms are based on the lymphatic drainage technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder. Only technologically advanced BOA series devices have a chance to perform automatic lymphatic drainage using the Vodder technique without the need to invite a masseur to your home or go to the rehabilitation office.

Cryolysis (cryoneurolysis, cryoanalgesia) is a method of treating pain that involves blocking the conduction of impulses by locally freezing the nerve. This eliminates the feeling of pain in a selected area of ​​the body.

Cryolysis is a reversible procedure - it does not destroy the structure of the nerve and has no systemic side effects.

Cryolysis is a sonosurgical procedure - it is performed by a pain management specialist under careful, continuous control of an ultrasound head (USG). The use of USG means that the procedure is targeted at a specific nerve that supplies a selected area or joint.

The cryolysis procedure is an excellent alternative for people who chronically use painkillers. It also creates new opportunities for patients waiting for spine surgery - it not only eliminates pain, allowing for a spontaneous increase in activity, but also allows for the implementation of intensive rehabilitation. Thanks to the elimination of pain and targeted physiotherapy treatments, some our Patients manage to avoid surgery.

The procedure involves inserting a thin probe into the area of ​​the appropriate nerve. The freezing reaction is caused by the rapid expansion of carbon dioxide inside the probe - the gas is inside the probe, so there is no risk of an undesirable reaction resulting from the gas having a direct effect on the patient's body. The probe tip lowers its temperature to about -70 degrees Celsius.

The lack of side effects and systemic effects allows for multiple applications of cryotherapy to the same person without causing any undesirable effects.

Cryotherapy is used in the treatment and elimination of pain in the following cases:

• lumbar spine pain syndromes
• thoracic spine pain syndromes
• sacroiliac joint pain

The procedure is performed after initial qualification based on an interview, clinical examination and assessment of imaging tests (X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging). Initially, a trial nerve block is performed under ultrasound control, assessing its effect on reducing pain. The reduction in pain levels as a result of performing a diagnostic blockade predicts its effective elimination after cryolysis procedures.

Author: Jacek Grabowski

The article was published by courtesy of:

CRS Clinic 
https://www.crsclinic.pl

Cryolesia is a procedure that is particularly useful in the treatment of people who suffer from chronic pain. This applies to patients who, due to their symptoms, are forced to radically limit their basic physical activity and daily functioning. You can read more about the cryolesis procedure below.

What is osteoarthritis and what causes it?

Degenerative disease (arthrosis) can develop in any joint where hyaline cartilage is present. Symptoms usually appear after the age of 40-50. The biggest changes concern the hip and knee joints due to the greatest mechanical overload. The cause of arthrosis is the slow damage to the articular cartilage, which is designed to cushion the movements of the joint and allow the articular surfaces to slide optimally. Over time, the bone layer under the articular cartilage, the joint capsule, ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the joint also degenerate. The symptoms that are most troublesome for patients are pain and limited mobility of the joint. 

Osteoarthritis is mainly predisposed to the development of 2 factors: excessive load on the joint (e.g. as a result of specific physical work or a level of sports that is not adapted to the abilities) or body mechanics disorders resulting from insufficient physical activity. In this case, the biggest threat seems to be a sedentary lifestyle, which affects the majority of the population. 

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are:

• Pain often felt at the beginning of movement and/or when performing joint movement. The pain often subsides at rest; The pain may worsen at the end of the day due to the "fatigue" of the subchondral layer of the cartilage. The pain may be felt in a specific place or it may be more diffuse and rapid – "my whole knee hurts" 
• Stiffness – there is often so-called morning stiffness (after waking up), which disappears after move. Joint stiffness may recur during the day after a period of immobility, e.g. sitting for a long time.
• Limitation of full mobility of the joint. There are problems with straightening or flexing the joint – the joint works normally only in the "middle" range of motion.
• Crackling and jumping – may indicate both a disorder in the sliding of the articular surfaces on each other and serious damage to the articular cartilage.
• Distortion of the contour and shape of the joint
• Swelling of the joint may indicate its overload and chronic inflammation of the joint itself and the tissues around it.

How to recognize and treat osteoarthritis?

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made on the basis of medical history, clinical examination and imaging tests showing the degree of damage to the articular cartilage. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound examinations are used here. Based on the current symptoms and imaging tests, the doctor suggests the appropriate procedure. 

In the process of treating a patient with degenerative disease, various methodes are selected (separately or in combination) depending on the stage of the disease. These can include:

Early stage:

• physiotherapy and proper physical exercises developing both mobility of joints and the efficiency of appropriate muscle groups
• health education
• anti-inflammatory drugs
• sonosurgery: regenerative injections
• body weight optimization

Intermediate stage:

• physiotherapy
• improvement of ergonomics of work and physical exercise
• sonosurgery: pain relieving and anti-inflammatory injections

Advanced stage:

• sonosurgery: cryolysis
• physiotherapy (after pain relief)

Cryolysis in the treatment of osteoarthritis

Cryolysis (cryoneurolysis, cryoanalgesia) is a method of treating pain that involves blocking nerve symptoms by locally freezing the nerve. This concerns the sensation of pain resulting from the joint. The effect of anesthesia lasts for several months after the procedure. Cryolysis is counteracting - it does not destroy the nerve network and is devoid of systemic side effects - it allows for multiple applications of cryolysis to the same person without causing effects. 

Cryolysis is a sonosurgical procedure - it is performed by a pain management specialist under careful, continuous control of an ultrasound head (USG). The use of USG means that the procedure is targeted at a specific nerve that supplies a selected area or joint. 

The cryolysis procedure is an excellent alternative for people who chronically use painkillers. It also creates new opportunities for patients waiting for spine surgery - it not only eliminates pain, allowing for a spontaneous increase in activity, but also allows for the implementation of intensive rehabilitation. Thanks to the elimination of pain and targeted physiotherapy treatments, some our Patients manage to avoid surgery. 

The procedure involves inserting a thin probe into the area of ​​the appropriate nerve. The freezing reaction is caused by the rapid expansion of carbon dioxide inside the probe - the gas is inside the probe, so there is no risk of an undesirable reaction resulting from the gas having a direct effect on the patient's body. The probe tip lowers its temperature to about -70 degrees Celsius.

Cryotherapy is used in the treatment and elimination of pain in the following cases:

• degenerative hip disease (includes indications for endoprosthesis)
• degenerative knee disease (includes indications for endoprosthesis)
• degenerative shoulder disease (includes indications for endoprosthesis)
• degenerative disease of the ankle joint (includes indications for endoprosthesis)
• enthesopathies: tennis elbow, heel spur, Achilles tendon insertion. 

Author: Jacek Grabowski

The article was published by courtesy of:

CRS Clinic 
https://www.crsclinic.pl

In Poland, the problem of chronic pain affects as many as 27 percent of adults, which adds up to a huge number – 8.5 million people – functioning on a daily basis with various degrees and sources of chronic pain ¹. This is a problem that affects many of us.

Chronic pain, according to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is defined as an unpleasant, subjective experience lasting more than three months that accompanies existing or threatened tissue damage.

In Poland, the problem of chronic pain affects as many as 27 percent of adults, which adds up to a huge number – 8.5 million people – functioning on a daily basis with various degrees and sources of chronic pain ¹. This is a problem that affects many of us.

The causes of chronic pain are diverse and their most common source are diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including: osteoarthritis (OA), which accounts for as many as 34% of cases, low back pain accounts for 18%, and headaches, including troublesome migraine, account for 15% of cases ². Injuries and neuropathic pain, both peripheral and central, can also cause chronic pain.

It should be remembered that chronic pain also affects patients suffering from cancer. In Poland, as many as 220 thousand patients struggle with pain associated with cancer every year. ³.

In response to these challenges, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has declared 2023 as the "Year of Comprehensive Pain Care". The aim of the association's activities is to increase social awareness, understanding of pain in society and the search for effective methods of its treatment. It is also an opportunity to show many aspects of this problem.

Metrum Cryoflex also joins the initiative to fight chronic pain by supporting the annual September social campaign entitled "September is Pain Awareness Month" organized by IASP. Below we present an infographic prepared especially for this occasion on how to prevent chronic pain. It is an initiative that aims to educate and support Polish society in the fight against this problem.

Chronic pain is not only a physical sensation, but also an emotional and social challenge. For Metrum Cryoflex, a key task is to fight this problem, develop new technologies and build greater awareness of pain and how to relieve it.

Metrum Cryoflex has been supporting professionals for over 30 years, creating innovative medical technologies for patients living with pain on a daily basis. That is why we are proud to join the "September is Pain Awareness Month" campaign, thanks to which together we can do a lot for those who struggle with chronic pain every day.

Source (1, 2, 3): https://niemusibolec.eu/

Modern medicine is a field that is constantly evolving and uses cutting-edge technologies to improve the quality of life of patients and increase the effectiveness of treatment. One of the most important developments in the field of medical technology is the use of lasers, which have become an invaluable tool in diagnostics, therapy and surgery. Let's follow a brief historical outline and the beginnings of lasers in medicine.

History of lasers in medicine

The beginnings of the use of lasers in medicine date back to the 60s of the twentieth century. Charles Campbell was one of the first physicians to use lasers in medical practice. His breakthrough achievement was the use of a laser to surgically remove opacity of the eye lens, which opened up new possibilities in ophthalmology. As a result, patients could enjoy improved eyesight. This event is considered to be the first effective case of laser use in medicine. In the 1960s and 1970s, the development of medical laser technology began. Experiments were made with different types of lasers, such as argon and carbon dioxide lasers. At the same time, the first applications of lasers in dermatology appeared, especially for the treatment of scars and discoloration. The 1980s and 1990s brought a further development of laser applications in medicine. Laser therapy has been used in vascular surgery to remove vascular lesions, in dentistry to treat gum diseases and tartar removal, and in oncology to treat cancer. Lasers made it possible to precisely cut and coagulate tissues, which significantly shortened the time of surgery and minimized bleeding. Over the course of the 21st century, more and more advanced laser technologies in medicine have been developed. They have been used in refractive surgeries such as LASIK, which correct vision defects. Diode lasers have also appeared, which have been used in aesthetic medicine, in the treatment of acne and hair removal.

Today, laser therapy is widely used in many fields of medicine, from cardiology and plastic surgery to dermatology and gynecology. The development of lasers in medicine would not have been possible without the cooperation of scientists, engineers and doctors who worked to improve these technologies. They have made laser therapy an integral part of healthcare and continue to evolve, providing doctors with increasingly precise tools and patients with increasingly effective and less invasive treatments.

Application of Lasers in Medicine

Currently, lasers are used in many medical fields. The most important are:

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses concentrated laser radiation to stimulate tissue regeneration processes. It is used to treat inflammation, pain, muscle damage, and even in pain therapy.
• Anti-cancer laser therapy: Lasers are used to destroy tumors and reduce the symptoms of cancer. Laser therapy is non-invasive, and accurate focusing of radiation allows to minimize damage to healthy tissues.
• Laser surgery: Laser surgical tools enable precise cutting and coagulation of tissues. Surgeons use lasers in surgical procedures related to the eye, skin, circulatory system, as well as in neurosurgery.
• Laser therapy in dermatology: Lasers are effective in treating scars, discoloration, wrinkles and acne. They improve the texture of the skin and allow you to achieve a younger appearance.
• Laser therapy in dentistry: In dentistry, lasers are used to treat gum disease, remove tartar, whiten teeth, and in oral surgery.

The future, not so distant at all

The applications of lasers in medicine continue to develop. Technologies that are currently being studied allow lasers to be used to deliver drugs to exactly the right place in the body, which could revolutionize cancer therapies. In addition, more precise and smaller surgical instruments are being developed to enable even more accurate operations.

The conclusion is clear: laser technologies have changed the face of medicine and continue to introduce new possibilities. They allow patients to enjoy more effective and less invasive treatments, and the future promises even more innovation in the medical field.

Recently, the Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Oncology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin has become a place of exceptional medical events. Three pioneering surgeries to correct chest deformities were performed here using a novel method known as "SANDWICH". This advanced procedure not only successfully corrected funnel chest deformities, but also made simultaneous correction of chicken chest deformities in the same patients. These were the first operations of this type carried out in Poland.

During the procedures, the surgical team had the privilege of working with Professor Manuel Lopez from the Vall d'Hebron Clinic in Barcelona.

One of the key elements of the performed surgeries was intraoperative cryoanalgesia, applied to all patients. This advanced technique of freezing nerves not only minimized pain as much as possible, but also provided patients with comfort after surgery. The Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Oncology in Szczecin has already gained a reputation in the field of cryoanalgesia by performing more than 90 successful procedures and publishing two scientific papers on the subject. In addition, the clinic conducted two clinical trials related to cryoanalgesia.

This extraordinary event emphasizes not only the high level of specialization and technological advancement of the Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Oncology of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, but also confirms the Polish position in the international medical community. Patients have gained new hope for improving their quality of life thanks to innovative surgeries and advanced methods carried out at this medical facility.

More: https://szczecin.tvp.pl/74056844/tytanowe-plytki-w-klatce-piersiowej-pionierskie-operacje-szczecinskich-lekarzy

Lasers are an integral part of many fields of modern science and technology. From medicine to industry, their versatile applications have contributed to significant advances in many fields. However, before we start working with lasers, it is essential to understand the basic risks associated with radiation emission, wavelengths, energy, power, and how to minimize the risks. The key safety aspects of working with lasers are discussed below.

Laser classes:

The basic step in understanding the safety of working with lasers is to learn about their classes. The classification of lasers takes into account the degree of potential danger to people and the environment. Laser radiation can be harmful to the eyes and skin, so this classification is a key point of reference.

According to ISO 60825-1:2014, lasers are divided into four main classes:

• Class 1: Lasers of this class are considered safe under normal conditions of use. They do not cause harm to the eyes or skin, even in the case of prolonged exposure.
• Class 2: Lasers of this class emit visible radiation, which can be harmful to the eyes when viewed directly, but are usually safe in case of accidental exposure.
• Class 3R: Lasers of this class can be harmful to the eyes if we look at them directly or with optical instruments. They are generally safe for normal use, but may pose risks with long-term exposure.
• Class 4: Lasers of this class can cause serious injury to the eyes and skin, even in the case of short-term exposure. They require special protection and caution when using.

Other factors must also be taken into account when classifying lasers, such as the surface area on which the radiation is directed and also the method of use. The vast majority of medical lasers are class 4 devices.

Radiation Emission:

Laser radiation covers a wide range of wavelengths that can have different effects on the human body. The wavelength determines how deep the radiation penetrates the tissues and what its effects may be. For example, near-infrared radiation can penetrate deeply, while ultraviolet radiation mainly affects the skin. These properties are crucial when selecting the right device for specific application. Treatments in the field of aesthetic medicine or dermatology require a different interaction with tissue than surgical lasers.

Laser energy and power:

The energy and power of lasers are key parameters that determine the intensity of radiation. The greater the energy and power, the greater the risk to health. Therefore, controlling these parameters and applying appropriate safeguards is essential to ensure safety. In modern laser devices, the selection of parameters is facilitated by defined treatment programs. This minimizes the risk of working with too much power and ensures even better treatment results.

Appropriate safeguards:

When working with lasers, appropriate safety measures should be used, such as safety glasses (selected for a specific wavelength), shields, or emergency systems. In addition, ensuring adequate ventilation and limiting access to laser work areas also play a key role in preventing accidents.

Staff training:

Ensure that doctors and staff working with lasers are properly trained. Students should be aware of the potential hazards and the rules for safe use of lasers. The training should include hazard identification, emergency procedures and the use of protective equipment. What is extremely important in the case of medical equipment, training in the field of performed procedures should be conducted by a specialist physician with extensive experience.

Safety of working with lasers is an extremely important issue that requires understanding and following certain rules. The key aspects are laser classes, radiation emission, energy and power, appropriate safeguards, and training of doctors and staff. Following these rules will minimize the risk of accidents and maintain safety in the workplace.

Safety of working with lasers is an extremely important issue that requires understanding and following certain rules. The key aspects are laser classes, radiation emission, energy and power, appropriate safeguards, and training of doctors and staff. Following these rules will minimize the risk of accidents and maintain safety in the workplace.

LASER is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". It is a device that uses very high energy light to produce a beam of radiation. In short, a laser is a powerful "beam" of light that is used in many fields, including medicine, for a variety of purposes.

How does a laser work?

The laser works on the basis of a process called "amplification of radiation emission". Inside the laser is an energy source (depending on the type of laser, it can vary, as will be discussed below). This energy source excites molecules or atoms in the laser material. As these excited molecules return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of laser radiation.

What distinguishes lasers from ordinary light sources is that they produce laser radiation that is coherent, which means that the light waves are synchronized and travel in a single phase. This makes the laser beam very focused, precise and has properties that allow it to be focused at a single point.

Types of lasers used in medicine

There are many types of lasers, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here are examples of the most commonly used lasers in medicine:

1. Gas lasers: Gas lasers use gas as a laser material. In medicine (CO2 laser) they are used for surgical procedures such as the removal of tumors and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, the removal of skin lesions and in ophthalmological procedures. Argon lasers are often used in the treatment of epilepsy and for photocoagulation procedures in ophthalmology, helping patients with retinal diseases.
2. Semiconductor lasers, including diode lasers: Semiconductor lasers use semiconductors as a laser material and are used in medicine, mainly in vascular surgery or proctology, but also in the treatment of acne and for teeth whitening.
3. Solid-state lasers: These lasers use solid crystalline materials as the laser material. In medicine, they are widely used for surgical procedures, e.g. in ophthalmology or urology, as well as in plastic surgery or aesthetic medicine.
4. PDL dye lasers: is a kind of laser that is widely used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The name "pigmented" is due to the fact that this type of laser is particularly effective in treating skin lesions that contain pigments such as hemoglobin in hemangiomas or melanin in discolorations

These are just a few examples of laser types, but there are many other specialized laser types with different applications. Laser is a versatile tool that is crucial in many fields of science, technology, and medicine.

Recently, the Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Oncology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin has become a place of exceptional medical events. Three pioneering surgeries to correct chest deformities were performed here using a novel method known as "SANDWICH". This advanced procedure not only successfully corrected funnel chest deformities, but also made simultaneous correction of chicken chest deformities in the same patients. These were the first operations of this type carried out in Poland.

During the procedures, the surgical team had the privilege of working with Professor Manuel Lopez from the Vall d'Hebron Clinic in Barcelona.

One of the key elements of the performed surgeries was intraoperative cryoanalgesia, applied to all patients. This advanced technique of freezing nerves not only minimized pain as much as possible, but also provided patients with comfort after surgery. The Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Oncology in Szczecin has already gained a reputation in the field of cryoanalgesia by performing more than 90 successful procedures and publishing two scientific papers on the subject. In addition, the clinic conducted two clinical trials related to cryoanalgesia.

This extraordinary event emphasizes not only the high level of specialization and technological advancement of the Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics and Oncology of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, but also confirms the Polish position in the international medical community. Patients have gained new hope for improving their quality of life thanks to innovative surgeries and advanced methods carried out at this medical facility.

More: https://szczecin.tvp.pl/74056844/tytanowe-plytki-w-klatce-piersiowej-pionierskie-operacje-szczecinskich-lekarzy

CRYO-S Painless in the operating room

Doctors are more and more willing to perform cryoanalgesia procedures with the CRYO-S Painless device, and they are not only pain therapists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists...

We are glad that having an established position in the treatment of chronic pain, we become present with our method also in operating rooms. We take action to make chronic pain less or non-existent.

CRYO-S Painless in the fight against pain after thoracotomy surgery

Thoracotomy is a serious procedure in which an extensive incision is made in the chest. After surgery, complications are possible. The most serious are infections within the wound and severe pain, also outside the incision site.

The pain can get worse during exercise, sometimes making it impossible to breathe and perform daily activities. Some patients who have undergone thoracotomy also experience skin pain upon touch.

20-40% of patients (!) feel pain after thoracotomy

A patient with severe postoperative pain has a difficult and longer path to return to normal functioning and a prolonged recovery period.

Our task is to ensure that the patient is free from chronic pain, free from painkillers (even very strong ones) and leaves the hospital as soon as possible.

Cryolesia conquers the world

Clinics in Genoa, Madrid, Barcelona, Vicenza and Bueanos Aires, which perform chest deformities procedures using our cryosurgery machine for the prevention of postoperative pain, are joined by others in Rome. These include the Tordergata University and the Policlinico Umberto. All of these clinics use cryoanalgesia as standard as an effective option for the prevention of postoperative pain after thoracotomy procedures.

Edmund Kiełbasa
Chief Scientific Officer

Taking care of immunity during the pandemic

The ability to freely take care of our physical condition and the good condition of our muscles and to reduce stress thanks to moderate physical exercise has been ruined for many people. Staying at home is and will be our new everyday life for a long time. Of course, another bike or treadmill put in the house, Internet programs and exercises in front of the monitor have also become a trend. They are very effective and recommended by experts in medicine and physical culture. But what should those people do who don't feel like doing a home "cardio workout" on a treadmill or have too little space in front of the TV to perform the acrobatic figures proposed by the trainers?

 

Why is it so important to maintain good physical condition during the epidemic?

The starting point is the fact that the poorly known lymphatic system in today's new everyday life can be an important point in the prevention of infections. A person with a well-functioning immune system, if infected, has a greater chance of surviving the effects of the virus mildly than a person with lower immunity. Of course, many factors such as lifestyle, diet, medications, and comorbidities have an impact on our immunity. However, underestimated lymphatic system quietly fights for our immunity 24 hours a day. It is worth strengthening, stimulating and taking care of it, especially when we are at home more often, which reduces our physical fitness.

What is the lymphatic system?

It cooperates with the circulatory system and participates in the transport of lymph. Lymph is a watery interstitial fluid that transports proteins, electrolytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes control attacks on microorganisms and pathogens that are dangerous to health and life.

Lymph is transported throughout the body in normal human functioning conditions by skeletal muscle contractions. Limited movement resulting from the current fight against the virus and a sedentary lifestyle at home are risk factors that affect its insufficient circulation. This in turn affects the risk of lowering the human immunity. Lymphocytes are dormant, lazy and can ignore or not respond quickly enough to pathogens appearing in the body, including viruses. A reduced immune response allows them to multiply and spread.

An inefficient lymphatic system and lack of stimulation can cause swelling. Swelling, in turn, causes further water retention in the body (cellulite is formed). Swelling in muscle tissue causes excessive muscle tension, tenderness and pain. This is caused by excessive adhesion of the fascia to the muscle.

How does the lymphatic system work?

The smallest structures of the lymphatic system are capillaries. Their role is to collect tissue fluid from the intertissue space. Tissue fluid (lymph) containing e.g. water, proteins, large amounts of lymphocytes (immune cells) enters the circulatory system in order to exchange substances between it and the blood. Recognized harmful substances are collected and exchanged between the blood and lymph and carried to the lymph nodes in the lymphatic system, from where they are transported further to neutralize them. This process occurs on the basis of the difference in pressure between blood capillaries, where there is high pressure, and venous vessels with lower pressure. This one-way movement of the fluid is controlled by valves.

The place where the lymphatic system meets the circulatory system is the so-called thoracic duct, whose role is to collect lymph from the upper left part of the body and the entire lower part, transporting it further to the left subclavian vein, and the right lymphatic duct collecting lymph from the upper right part of the body.

What the lymphatic system likes and dislikes.

Proper lymph and blood circulation takes place through the work of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and is supported by the contraction of skeletal muscles. Physical activity, exercise of moderate but regular intensity keeps blood and lymph circulation at an optimal level. All immune processes related to circulation and lymph exchange are preserved and our body is efficient and ready to fight, for example, infections.

A sedentary lifestyle, reluctance to exercise or limited possibilities of active exercise due to restrictions on gathering and movement caused by the epidemic do not activate our immune system. The most immediately observable effect of the lack of proper circulation is swelling of the lower limbs (foot, calf) and upper limbs (fingers, hand, arms), a feeling of heavy legs caused by stagnation and the appearance of cellulite. Accumulating fluid causes skin deformation not only on the lower limbs, but also on the abdomen, buttocks, arms. The skin becomes bulging, wrinkled and of different colors. The effect of such a condition is the appearance of watery cellulite for the skin and varicose veins or even chronic venous insufficiency for the circulatory system.The problems do not only affect the elderly, overweight or obese. It is equally likely that these problems occur in young and slim people who do not take sufficient care of the proper condition of their muscles and are immobilized. Additional contributing factors are stress, excess alcohol, smoking, and the use of contraceptives.

Lymphatic drainage as a prophylaxis of lymph stagnation during an epidemic.

Lymphatic drainage is a technique that supports and activates lymph drainage. Since it is not an ordinary massage technique, it must be performed manually by a qualified physiotherapist in a health center or professional aesthetic medicine and cosmetology studios. Physiotherapists have a difficult ability to perform these procedures in their practices. Rehabilitation at home is limited or even impossible. However, lymphatic drainage can be performed at home with the use of "artificial intelligence" integrated into the BOA 2 MAX medical device for lymphatic drainage and sequential pressure massage (pressotherapy). It does not require the presence of a physiotherapist and there is no need to leave home. In addition to stimulating the lymphatic system, it was created to support muscle function, "muscle gymnastics" and provide them with oxygen, absorb metabolic substances, reduce body fat, eliminate swelling, reduce cellulite, reduce stress, improving sleep quality.

History of the BOA device

In the 1990s, Metrum Cryoflex designed the world's first sequential lymphatic drainage device for people with an inefficient lymphatic system, including patients after oncological surgeries, which supports or replaces manual lymphatic drainage at home. Several thousand of Polish BOA series devices are used in physiotherapy clinics, sanatoriums, aesthetic medicine and cosmetology clinics in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Scandinavia, and the USA. The "Amazons" who require daily lymphatic drainage use our devices at home, reducing the need to visit physiotherapists.

The BOA series devices are Polish products, completely constructed by a medical company and certified in accordance with the European Union Medical Directive. The Metrum Cryoflex R&D team was focused on the quality and safety of the treatment while constructing the BOA series together with medical specialists. Treatment algorithms, control of valve operation and air flow through the chambers, as well as the pressure difference in individual chambers are consistent with the anatomical structure and physiological function of the vascular-cardiac and lymphatic systems. No other device have such technologically advanced solutions used to maintain the highest level of safety of the procedure and high effectiveness. The treatment algorithms are based on the lymphatic drainage technique developed by Dr. Emil Vodder. Only technologically advanced BOA series devices have a chance to perform automatic lymphatic drainage using the Vodder technique without the need to invite a masseur to your home or go to the rehabilitation office.

Lymphatic drainage with the BOA Max 2

Lymphatic drainage is a technique that supports and activates lymphatic flow. Since it is not an ordinary massage technique, it must be performed manually by a qualified physiotherapist in a health center or professional aesthetic medicine and cosmetology studios. Physiotherapists have a difficult ability to perform these procedures in their practices. Rehabilitation at home is limited or even impossible.

However, lymphatic drainage can be performed at home with the use of "artificial intelligence" integrated into the BOA 2 MAX medical device for lymphatic drainage and sequential pressure massage (pressotherapy). It does not require the presence of a physiotherapist and there is no need to leave home. In addition to stimulating the lymphatic system, it was created to support muscle function, "muscle gymnastics" and provide them with oxygen, receive metabolic substances, reduce body fat, eliminate swelling, reduce cellulite, reduce stress, and improve better sleep.

 

Cuffs with the highest level of safety, comfort and quality

A perfect fit

The device has the highest quality 24-chamber "trousers" cuffs for the lower body and a "jacket" for the upper body, as well as 12-chamber cuffs for the leg and arm. The size of the cuff is adjusted using sliders. You can also increase their size with appropriate wideners.

Unique Overlapping System

Each chamber in the cuff is connected to the next, overlapping and creating the so-called "Overlapping". This unique technological solution means that the lymph pushed towards large orifices, lymph nodes and vessels does not fall by gravity, but is moved in the right direction and pace as the next chamber is filled (in accordance with the manual drainage methodology).

The use of braces without this system is associated with a high risk of excessive accumulation of lymph in the area of its outflow to the nodes, causing dangerous swelling and damage.

Multi-chamber cuffs for the highest safety of the procedure

In order to maintain the highest level of safety of the treatment and high efficiency, the device uses a system of chambers and valves that allow full control of the air flow. Full safety is ensured by the regulation of the pressure difference in individual chambers, which is consistent with the anatomical structure and physiological function of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.

The use of braces without this system is associated with a high risk of excessive accumulation of lymph in the area of its outflow to the nodes, causing dangerous swelling and damage.

Highest safety of the procedure

As many as 99% of cameras in the world do not have an algorithm compatible with the Vodder technique and there is no possibility of regulating the pressure in the chambers. The use of such devices is associated with a high risk of excessive accumulation of lymph in the area of its drainage to the nodes, causing dangerous swelling and damage.

The use of braces without this system is associated with a high risk of excessive accumulation of lymph in the area of its outflow to the nodes, causing dangerous swelling and damage.

Customized settings

Smooth gradient adjustment

The individually selected maximum pressure is reduced programmatically according to the pressure gradient in the lymphatic or venous vessels. As a result of the gradient adjustment, a strong beginning of massage in the parts of the body distant from the inguinal nodes (feet, lower leg) smoothly transitions into a medium and low strength massage at the level of the thighs, pelvis and abdomen in accordance with the manual drainage methodology.

Tempo control

An individually selected tempo parameter can be used to conduct the massage:

• with a short time
• with an average time
• with low intensity
• with medium intensity
• with a high and dynamic tempo for a classic massage

An intense sports massage can be enhanced with pulse massage.

 

Programs that make it easier to use

Easy to start with 6 preset programs

The device has 6 predefined programs developed by physiotherapy specialists. Simply select your program, specify the maximum pressure and start draining.

Possibility to enter your own parameters na 12 wstępnie zaprogramowanych algorytmach

Possibility to enter your own parameters on 12 pre-programmed algorithms

Ability to program your own algorithm

A special feature of the BOA Max 2 is the ability to enter your own treatment parameters (pressure, gradient, pace, pause, cycle) by selecting one of the twelve pre-programmed algorithms for lymphatic drainage or massage.

Ability to program your own algorithm

Vodder Drainage

Each of the programmed algorithms starts drainage, known only from the classic manual massage technique, with a technique that opens the lymph drainage sites to the inguinal, deep inguinal and abdominal surface nodes.

High drainage efficiency is achieved when the groin area is cleared, and then effectively drains the lymph through vertical lymphatic vessels (draining the tissue between the toes and the navel) and horizontal draining lymph from the pelvis. Only after such initial drainage can you start draining from the foot to the abdomen. Such a technique is known in medicine as the VODDER technique. This is also the name of this algorithm that opens each type of drain in the BOA camera.