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

Kiedy można mówić o zespole post-COVID?

O zespole post-COVID możemy mówić gdy objawy chorobowe utrzymują się cztery tygodnie lub dłużej od potwierdzenia choroby

Co obejmuje program rehabilitacji post-COVID?

• Masaż – według indywidualnych wskazań
• Wspomaganie rehabilitacyjne schorzeń współistniejących
• Fizykoterapia – według indywidualnych wskazań

Pełny zakres programu rehabilitacyjnego post-COVID dostępnych jest na stronie: nfz.gov.pl

Jaki sprzęt do rehabilitacji post-COVID?

Treatments that can be performed with METRUM CRYOFLEX devices are a remedy for a significant part of post-COVID symptoms. Most of the devices are easy to transport. Those that are stationary and heavier to transport mostly have their mobile equivalents.

ATO-3

Aparat do ozonoterapii

Ozonoterapia znacząco poprawia dotlenienie całego organizmu. Dzięki temu przyspieszony zostaje proces regeneracji, wspierając walkę z negatywnymi następstwami spowodowanymi przez koronawirusa.

Terapia ozonem utlenowuje krew odżywiając tkanki, dzięki czemu umożliwia leczenie wielu schorzeń. Stosuje się ją w celach zapobiegawczych oraz wzmacniających cały organizm i ogólną kondycję fizyczną.

Poleca się ją szczególnie pacjentom mającym problemy z płucami po przebytej infekcji.

W opracowaniach naukowych wykazano skuteczność ozonoterapii w zwalczaniu COVID 19. Autorami prac są naukowcy z Ameryki, Europy oraz Azji. Dostępne badania naukowe i kliniczne wykazują, że ozonoterapia może być skutecznym zabiegiem stosowanym w leczeniu ponad 50 różnych schorzeń współistniejących, w tym układu krążenia, układu moczowo-płciowego, dermatologicznych.

ATO-3 i ozonoterapia w walce z post-COVID

• Aktywuje układ immunologiczny mobilizując odporność organizmu
  na choroby.
• Pomaga przy chorobach układu krążenia w tym angiopatii
  cukrzycowej.
• Znacznie przyspiesza gojenie się odleżyn, owrzodzeń oraz ran
  pooparzeniowych.
• Polepsza jakość snu, korzystnie wpływa na kondycję psychiczną,
  poprawia koncentrację oraz pamięć.
• Pomaga w walce z chronicznym zmęczeniem.
  Zmniejsza odczuwanie bólów kostno-stawowych.
• Ozon umożliwia komórkom szybką regenerację dzięki dużej dawce
  tlenu oraz poprawie mikrokrążenia. Jest ważny w regeneracji tkanek,
  w skróceniu czasu rehabilitacji.

Więcej o aparacie

BOA Max 2

Aparat do drenażu limfatycznego

Drenaż limfatyczny ma dobroczynne działanie na organizm usprawniając funkcjonowanie układu krążeniowego, odpornościowego oraz nerwowego. Pozytywnie wpływa na pracę serca, mięśni, a także na nastrój działając relaksująco i odprężająco.

BOA Max 2 w walce z post-COVID

• Drenaż limfatyczny zapewnia prawidłowe funkcjonowanie układu
  limfatycznego, a tym samym odpornościowego.
• Odpowiednio opracowany algorytm uspokaja i relaksuje.
• Zwiększone dostarczanie tlenu i składników odżywczych
  do narządów poprzez stymulację przepływu żylnego
  i limfatycznego.
• Szybsze usuwanie produktów metabolicznych, eliminacja objawów
  zastoju, wchłanianie obrzęków.
• Ułatwia pracę serca dzięki zmniejszeniu oporu przepływu tętniczego.
• Wspiera leczenie chorób układu nerwowego (porażenia spastyczne,
  stany po przewlekłych zapaleniach nerwów lub splotów nerwowych,
  porażenia nerwów obwodowych, stany po urazach ośrodkowego
  układu nerwowego).

Więcej o aparacie

VITER

Aparat do masażu wibracyjnego

Masaż wibracjami ma szczególne zastosowanie w przypadku neutralizowania bólów mięśniowych oraz stawowych. Ponadto ten rodzaj masażu przyspiesza proces regeneracji i ma pozytywny wpływ na psychikę.

VITER w walce z post-COVID

• Masowane powierzchnie szybciej się regenerują, rozluźniają oraz
  przyspiesza się ukrwienie skóry i tkanek podskórnych.
• Działa przeciwbólowo (bóle głowy oraz bóle układu mięśniowoszkieletowego).
• Pomaga zwalczać problemy nerwicowe, stany lękowe, depresję, bezsenność i inne zaburzenia sfery psychicznej.
• Pomaga na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, artretyzm, dyskopatię, zapalenie korzonków, a także cierpiącym na zanik mięśni, przykurcze,
  czy zaburzenia krążenia obwodowego.
• Wspiera walkę ze skurczem łydek, syndromem ciężkich nóg,
  skoliozą, otyłością, wysiłkowym nietrzymaniem moczu, zaparciami, neuropatiami cukrzycowymi.
  

  

  
  
  Więcej o aparacie
  

  CRYO-T Duo

  Aparat do kriostymulacji miejscowej

  Kriostymulacja miejscowa zapewnia intensywną rehabilitację pacjenta. Ma silne działanie przeciwbólowe, poprawia lokalne ukrwienie, odżywienie i utlenowanie tkanek, stawów i mięśni.

  CRYO-T Duo w walce z post-COVID

  • Kriostymulacja miejscowa znacząco przyspiesza regenerację organizmu poprawiając ukrwienie narządów wewnętrznych, zwiększając ich utlenowienie, przyspieszając procesy przemiany materii oraz regenerację.
  • Podczas terapii zwiększa się produkcja endorfin wpływających na dobre samopoczucie i redukujących napięcie psychiczne.
  • Działa przeciwbólowo.
  • Hamuje stany zapalne i poprawia funkcjonowanie stawów, ścięgien i mięśni.
  • Wspiera leczenie chorób układu nerwowego (niedowład
    spastyczny, Zespół Sudecka).
    

    

    
    
    Więcej o aparacie
    
    

    ARCTICA

    
    

    Kriokomory 2-3 osobowe

    
    

    Pod wpływem krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej wzrasta stężenie wielu hormonów i neuroprzekaźników odpowiedzialnych za prawidłowe funkcjonowanie całego organizmu. Terapia korzystnie wpływa także na psychikę, poprawę nastroju i jakość snu.

    
    

    Kriokomora ARCTICA w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Krioterapia ogólnoustrojowa zwiększa odporność organizmu.
    
    
    • Znacząco przyspiesza regenerację organizmu poprawiając ukrwienie narządów wewnętrznych, zwiększając ich utlenowienie, przyspieszając procesy przemiany materii oraz regenerację.
    
    
    • Pozytywnie wpływa na wydajność psycho-fizyczną organizmu, poprawia nastrój oraz jakość snu.
    
    
    • Działa przeciwbólowo.
    
    
    • Hamuje stany zapalne i poprawia funkcjonowanie stawów, mięśni i ścięgien.
    
    
    • Przyspiesza leczenie chorób o różnym podłożu, m.in. stwardnienie rozsiane; skaza moczanowa; dyskopatia (działanie objawowe); choroby i urazy stawów; zapalenia okołostawowe ścięgien, torebek stawowych, mięśni; fibromialgia; choroby układu nerwowego
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o kriokomorze
    

    
    

    Elektroterapia

    
    

    Aparaty: dwukanałowy TENS 120Z (2-200 Hz),
    czterokanałowy ES-5400 (2-10 KHz),
    dwukanałowy ES-5200 (2-10 KHz)

    
    

    Elektroterapia to niezwykle skuteczny zabieg w leczeniu bólu oraz wspomaganiu regeneracji organizmu. Wspomaga gojenie się tkanek oraz proces reedukacji siły i napięcia mięśni, szczególnie szkieletowych.

    
    

    Elektroterapia w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Działanie przeciwzapalne i przeciwobrzękowe poprzez wzrost miejscowego krążenia krwi i limfy oraz wzmocnienie działania pompy mięśniowej.
    
    
    • Zmiany w mikrokrążeniu ułatwiają procesy regeneracyjne w tkankach.
    
    
    • Poprawa samopoczucia dzięki wydzielanym podczas zabiegu endorfinom.
    
    
    • Działanie przeciwbólowe poprzez zwiększenie mikrokrążenia oraz produkcji enkefalin.
    
    
    • Usprawnienie i wzmocnienie mięśni przez pobudzanie ich do skurczu.
    
    
    • Zwiększenie przemiany materii, polepszenie trofiki tkanek, przyspieszenie regeneracji i zmniejszenie obrzęków.
    
    
    • Skuteczność w walce z bólem głowy, w tym bólem migrenowym.
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o aparacie TENS 120Z
    
    
    
    Więcej o aparacie ES-5400
    

    
    

    DIA-TKR 800

    
    

    Aparat do diatermii

    
    

    Zabiegi z użyciem diatermii DIA-TKR 800 rozluźniają mięśnie, poprawiają ukrwienie, łagodzą ból, wspomagają układ odpornościowy, działają przeciwzapalnie. Aparat pozwala na wykonywanie zabiegów za pomocą zaawansowanej terapii TECAR.

    
    

    DIA-TKR 800 w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Stymuluje procesy immunologiczne zwiększając odporność organizmu.
    
    
    • Terapia TECAR bezpośrednio oddziałuje na punkty zapalne oraz umożliwia szybkie wchłanianie obrzęków.
    
    
    • Usprawniają mikrokrążenie oraz proces przemiany materii przyspieszając regenerację tkanek.
    
    
    • Działa przeciwzapalnie.
    
    
    • Działa przeciwbólowo.
    
    
    • Nowoczesna głowica zabiegowa umożliwia zabiegi pojemnościowe i oporowe za pomocą zmiany trybu w aparacie (nie trzeba wymieniać głowicy).
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o aparacie
    

    
    

    Ultradźwięki

    
    

    Aparat US-751 (1 MHz i 3 MHz),
    ręczne aparaty US-101L (1 MHz), US-103S (3 MHz)

    
    

    Ultradźwięki znajdują zastosowanie w przypadkach ograniczenia ruchomości stawów, wykazują działanie przeciwzapalne (także w stanach przewlekłych), wspomagają procesy naprawy uszkodzonych tkanek, mają działanie przeciwbólowe, a także przyspieszają gojenie ran i zrost kostny

    
    

    Ultradźwięki w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Działanie przeciwbólowe i przeciwzapalne.
    
    
    • Przyspieszenie przepływu limfy w naczyniach i zwiększenie procesów wchłaniania.
    
    
    • Zmniejszenie napięcia mięśni.
    
    
    • Hamowanie układu współczulnego.
    
    
    • Zwiększenie rozciągliwości tkanki łącznej w bliznach, przykurczach, zwłókniałych mięśniach i torebkach stawowych.
    
    
    • Przyspieszenie gojenia się ran.
    
    
    • Zwiększenie natlenowania tkanek oraz pobudzenie przemiany materii komórek przyspieszające ich regenerację.
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o aparatach US-101L i US103S
    
    
    
    Więcej o aparacie US-751
    

    
    

    Laseroterapia

    
    

    Laser LAZR-207 (do 7 W), LAZR-215 (do 15 W)

    
    

    Laseroterapia odgrywa istotną rolę we wspieraniu układu odpornościowego. Charakteryzuje się wysoką skutecznością terapeutyczną i możliwością stosowania zarówno w stanach ostrych oraz przewlekłych.

    
    

    Laseroterapia w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Działa przeciwzapalnie.
    
    
    • Działa przeciwbólowo.
    
    
    • Działa przeciwobrzękowo.
    
    
    • Usprawnia mikrokrążenie i proces przemiany materii przyspieszając regenerację tkanek.
    
    
    • Stymuluje procesy immunologiczne zwiększając odporność organizmu.
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o aparacie
    

    
    

    Terapia skojarzona

    
    

    Aparat czterokanałowy EU-941,
    dwukanałowy EU-921 do elektroterapii
    średniej częstotliwości i terapii ultradźwiękami

    
    

    Terapia skojarzona łączy zalety elektroterapii i terapii ultradźwiękami wzmacniając efekt terapeutyczny.

    
    

    Terapia skojarzona w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Działanie przeciwbólowe (w tym bóle głowy), przeciwzapalne i przeciwobrzękowe. Przyspieszenie przepływu limfy w naczyniach i zwiększenie procesów wchłaniania.
    
    
    • Zwiększenie rozciągliwości tkanki łącznej w bliznach, przykurczach, zwłókniałych mięśniach i torebkach stawowych.
    
    
    • Zwiększenie natlenowienia tkanek oraz pobudzenie przemiany materii komórek przyspieszające ich regenerację.
    
    
    • Poprawa samopoczucia oraz rozluźnienie dzięki zmniejszeniu napięcia mięśni.
    
    
    • Usprawnienie i wzmocnienie mięśni przez pobudzanie ich do skurczu.
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o aparacie EU-941
    

    
    

    RSK-600

    
    

    Aparat do terapii falą uderzeniową

    
    

    Terapia falą uderzeniową przyczynia się do przyspieszenia procesu zdrowienia poprzez pobudzenie cyrkulacji krwi oraz stymulację
    metabolizmu.

    
    

    Terapia skojarzona w walce z post-COVID

    
    
    
    
    • Działa przeciwbólowo na układ mięśniowo-szkieletowy, stymulując błony komórkowe oraz zakończenia nerwowe.
    
    
    • Pobudza metabolizm dzięki polepszeniu krążenia krwi.
    
    
    • Redukuje blizny i rozstępy.
    
    
    • Zwiększa odprężenie i relaksuje zmniejszając napięcie mięśniowe.
    
    
    • Pomaga w przywróceniu sprawności ruchowej.
    
    
    
    

    
    
    Więcej o aparacie
    
    
    Pobierz ulotkę
    

    
    

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.

Aparaty serii BOA to Polski produkt, całkowicie skonstruowany przez firmę medyczną i posiadający certyfikaty zgodne z Medyczną Dyrektywą Unii Europejskiej. Zespół Badawczo-Rozwojowy Metrum Cryoflex postawił na jakość i bezpieczeństwo zabiegu konstruując wraz ze specjalistami medycyny serię BOA. Algorytmy zabiegowe, sterowanie pracą zaworów i przepływem powietrza przez komory oraz różnica ciśnień w poszczególnych komorach są zgodne z anatomiczną budową i fizjologiczną funkcją układu naczyniowo - sercowego i limfatycznego. Żaden inny aparat nie ma tak zaawansowanych technologicznie rozwiązań użytych w celach zachowania maksymalnie wysokiego poziomu bezpieczeństwa zabiegu i wysokiej efektywności. Algorytmy zabiegowe bazują na technice drenażu limfatycznego opracowanego przez Dr Emila Voddera. Tylko zaawansowane technologicznie aparaty serii BOA mają szansę wykonać automatycznie drenaż limfatyczny techniką Voddera bez potrzeby zapraszania masażysty do domu lub wychodzenia do gabinetu rehabilitacyjnego.

Drenaż limfatyczny aparatem BOA Max 2

Drenaż limfatyczny jest techniką wspomagającą i aktywującą spływ chłonki. Ponieważ nie jest to zwykła technika masażu musi być wykonywany manualnie przez wykwalifikowanego fizjoterapeutę w ośrodku zdrowia lub profesjonalnych studiach medycyny estetycznej i kosmetologii. Fizjoterapeuci mają utrudnione możliwości do wykonywania tych zabiegów w swoich praktykach. Rehabilitacja w warunkach domowych jest ograniczona a nawet niemożliwa.

Drenaż limfatyczny może być jednak wykonywany w warunkach domowych z użyciem „sztucznej inteligencji” wkomponowanej w aparat medyczny BOA 2 MAX służący do drenażu limfatycznego i do sekwencyjnego masażu uciskowego (prssoterapia). Nie wymaga on obecności fizjoterapeuty i nie ma potrzeby wychodzenia z domu. Oprócz stymulacji układu limfatycznego został stworzony do wspomagania pracy mięśni, „gimnastyki mięśni” i dostarczenia im tlenu, odbierania substancji przemiany materii, redukcji tkanki tłuszczowej, likwidacji obrzęków, redukcji cellulitu, obniżenia stresu, polepszenia lepszego snu.

 

Mankiety o najwyższym poziomie bezpieczeństwa, komfortu i jakości

Doskonale dopasowane

Aparat posiada najwyższej jakości 24. komorowe mankiety typu „spodnie” na dolną część ciała i „kurtkę” na górną część ciała, a także 12. komorowe mankiety na nogę i rękę.Rozmiar mankietu reguluje się za pomocą suwaków. Można także zwiększać ich rozmiar za pomocą odpowiednich poszerzaczy.

Unikalny system Overlapping

Każda komora w mankiecie połączona jest z kolejną nachodząc na siebie i tworząc tzw. „Overlapping”. To unikalne rozwiązanie technologiczne sprawia, że limfa przepchnięta w kierunku dużych ujść, węzłów chłonnych i naczyń, nie opada grawitacyjnie, ale wraz z napełnieniem następnej komory jest przesuwana we właściwym kierunku i tempie (zgodnie z metodyką drenażu ręcznego).

Stosowanie aparatów bez tego systemu wiąże się z wysokim ryzykiem nadmiernej kumulacji limfy w okolicy jej spływu do węzłów powodując niebezpieczny obrzęk oraz ich uszkodzenie.

Wielokomorowe mankiety gwarantujące najwyższe bezpieczeństwo zabiegu

W celu zachowania maksymalnie wysokiego poziomu bezpieczeństwa zabiegu i wysokiej efektywności w aparacie zastosowano system komór i zaworów umożliwiający pełną kontrolę przepływu powietrza. Pełnię bezpieczeństwa zapewnia regulacja różnicy ciśnień w poszczególnych komorach, która jest zgodna z anatomiczną budową i fizjologiczną funkcją układu naczyniowo-sercowego i limfatycznego.

Stosowanie aparatów bez tego systemu wiąże się z wysokim ryzykiem nadmiernej kumulacji limfy w okolicy jej spływu do węzłów powodując niebezpieczny obrzęk oraz ich uszkodzenie.

Najwyższe bezpieczeństwo zabiegu

Aż 99% aparatów na świecie nie posiada algorytmu zgodnego z techniką Voddera i nie ma możliwości regulowania ciśnienia w komorach. Używanie takich aparatów wiąże się z wysokim ryzykiem nadmiernej kumulacji limfy w okolicy jej spływu do węzłów, powodując niebezpieczny obrzęk oraz ich uszkodzenie.

Stosowanie aparatów bez tego systemu wiąże się z wysokim ryzykiem nadmiernej kumulacji limfy w okolicy jej spływu do węzłów powodując niebezpieczny obrzęk oraz ich uszkodzenie.

Ustawienia dopasowane do indywidualnych potrzeb

Płynna regulacja gradientu

Dobrane indywidualnie ciśnienie maksymalne jest redukowane programowo zgodnie z gradientem ciśnień w naczyniach limfatycznych lub żylnych. W efekcie regulacji gradientu silny początek masażu w częściach ciała odległych od węzłów pachwinowych (stopy, podudzie) płynnie przechodzi w masaż o średniej i niskiej sile na wysokości ud, miednicy i brzucha zgodnie z metodyką drenażu ręcznego.

Regulacja tempa

Indywidualnie dobrany parametr tempa można wykorzystać do prowadzenia masażu:

• z krótkim czasem
• ze średnim czasem
• z niską intensywnością
• ze średnią intensywnością
• z wysokim i dynamicznym tempem w przypadku klasycznego masażu

An intense sports massage can be enhanced with pulse massage.

 

Programy ułatwiające obsługę

Łatwy start z 6. gotowymi programami

Aparat posiada 6 programów predefiniowanych opracowanych przez specjalistów fizjoterapii. Wystarczy wybrać swój program, określić ciśnienie maksymalne i rozpocząć drenaż.

Possibility to enter your own parameters na 12 wstępnie zaprogramowanych algorytmach

Cechą szczególną BOA Max 2 jest możliwość wprowadzenia własnych parametrów zabiegowych (ciśnienie, gradient, tempo, pauza, cykl), wybierając jeden z dwunastu wstępnie zaprogramowanych algorytmów do drenażu limfatycznego lub masażu.

Ability to program your own algorithm

Aparat BOA jest jedynym na świecie aparatem do drenażu limfatycznego, który ma możliwość zaprogramowania własnego algorytmu zabiegowego. Użytkownik może ustawić najbardziej skuteczny i przyjemny masaż kreując algorytm ucisku inny niż te zaproponowane przez producenta.

Najwyższa efektywność i bezpieczeństwo

Drenaż techniką Voddera

Każdy z zaprogramowanych algorytmów rozpoczyna drenaż, znaną wyłącznie z klasycznej techniki manualnego masażu techniką otwierającą miejsca spływu limfy do węzłów powierzchniowych pachwinowych, pachwinowych głębokich, brzusznych.

Wysoka efektywność drenażu jest osiągnięta, kiedy okolice pachwiny są udrożnione, aby następnie skutecznie zdrenować limfę przez naczynia limfatyczne pionowe (drenujące tkankę pomiędzy palcami stopy a pępkiem) oraz poziome drenujące limfę z miednicy. Dopiero po takim wstępnym drenażu można przystąpić do drenażu w kierunku od stopy do brzucha. Taka technika znana jest w medycynie pod nazwą techniki VODDERA. Tak też nazwany jest ten algorytm otwierający każdy rodzaj drenażu w aparacie BOA.

Cryotherapy – what needs to be explained?

Although cryotherapy is an increasingly popular method of treatment, there is still a lack of publications explaining the inconsistencies in nomenclature, giving uniform definitions of stimulation and non-stimulation methods. There is also a lack of explanation regarding the refrigerants and treatment techniques used to achieve the intended cryotherapeutic effects. The following article is an attempt to systematize these inconsistencies so that communication between doctors and patients, and often even doctors themselves, is clear and not misleading.

The term Cryotherapy is overused and too general to describe the proper application.

In order to standardize and clarify certain concepts, I propose to follow diagram 1.

The concept of Cryotherapy included in the diagram has a very broad meaning and includes all methods of treatment using cold. Due to its great generalization, this word is very often misused by both doctors and therapists.

When asking about a cryotherapy device or describing the actions performed on tissue, each of them has something completely different in mind. A gynecologist or dermatologist thinks about destroying tissue by freezing it, while a physiotherapist means a stimulating or cooling action that does not damage tissue. They use the correct word, but it is not very precise for their purposes.

The division I have proposed, which is partly signaled in some works, into cryosurgery, cryopeeling, cryostimulation and cooling should clarify the matter not only in terms of nomenclature, but also in terms of methods of applying low temperatures, as each of these four concepts requires different application techniques. This particularly applies to the distinction between cryostimulation and cooling, as I have not found a clear and specific explanation in any work.

Diagram 1

The problem of definitions in scientific publications

Let's look at several definitions of cryostimulation, although the authors use the word cryotherapy interchangeably:

• "Cryotherapy is the use of a physical stimulus that lowers the temperature of tissues for therapeutic purposes" – Prof. K. Spodaryk
• "Cryotherapy is a non-invasive application of extremely low temperatures of cooled air vapors of liquefied gases, locally or systemically cooling the body integuments by radiation for a period not exceeding 3 minutes of exposure" – Prof. Z. Zagrobelny
• "This term should be understood as the stimulating application of cryogenic surface temperatures - below -100ºC, acting very briefly (2-3 minutes), in order to induce and use physiological, systemic reactions to cold, support basic treatment and facilitate movement treatment" - Dr. H. Gregorowicz
• "Cryotherapy is the application of a temperature below -100ºC to the outer surface of the body for 2-3 minutes in order to induce and use a physiological reaction to cold" – Dr. K. Księżopolska-Pietrzak
• "Thus, the idea of cryostimulation is to cool tissues as quickly and in the shortest time as possible in order to induce a reflex hyperemic reaction." – Dr. W. Gawroński

Although the second definition from the point of view of physics contains mistakes, which will be explained later, probably all authors agree that cryostimulation is about "rapid cooling, almost sucking relatively small amounts of heat out of tissues" – Prof. Z Zagrobelna. The etymology of the word cryotherapy is described in detail in the work of Dr. W. Gawroński {Rehabilitation 2003, 7, No. 2}. In the emerging works, most authors associate cryostimulation closely with the so-called extreme temperatures, below -80ºC or more often -100ºC, knowing that the process must take place quickly, but temperature is an important, but not the only parameter and the use of a cold source with a temperature of -100ºC does not guarantee the right effect. Cold dose is a more objective concept, but it also does not reflect the complexity of the cryotherapy procedure.

Types of cryotherapy treatments with different indications and courses.

Cryosurgery:

The fastest way to remove heat is to touch the tissue with a cold metal cryoapplicator or directly spray liquid cryogen onto it. It is a method used in cryosurgery to destroy tissues. It is not used in cryostimulation, because applying a probe or spraying cryogenic liquid for more than a few seconds would cause damage to the skin, and would not cause the intended stimulating effect. It seems obvious, but even here it is possible, by using appropriate techniques, to obtain intermediate effects between cryosurgery and cryostimulation, e.g. if we freeze the cryoprobe in the air so that it is covered with ice (insulator), and then we massage the skin with it, without causing it to whiten for a long time, we will cause a strong superficial stimulation: we use less to treat alopecia areata or steroid-induced acne, more for cryopeeling.

 Cryostimulation with ice water:

The fastest, non-destructive way of cooling the tissue is ice water. In an ice bath, heat exchange is several dozen times greater than in a cryogenic chamber, where the air is about -120ºC. The same applies to local cryostimulation.

So the question arises, why don't we use ice baths instead of cryochambers? An ice-cold bath is so unpleasant and shocking that it could only be used in a few cases. Heat reception in the chamber takes place more slowly and mainly through radiation in a dry air atmosphere with a temperature of about -120ºC, where the cold is perceived as "friendly".

I would like to introduce here the concept of wet cold (water with ice), humid cold (air at a temperature of -15ºC ̧ -35ºC) and dry cold (cryogenic gases below -60 C) – diagram 2.

Each of the above-mentioned factors can cause a cryostimulation effect. The fastest way is to use ice water, but this method is too radical in the case of systemic cryostimulation, and too troublesome when applied locally. The patient's reaction to the type of refrigerant is also different.

Dry cold is the least noticeable by the patient as unpleasant. Virtually everyone can notice this phenomenon when staying outside in winter in various weather conditions.

Moisture in the gas at a temperature below -60ºC is practically imperceptible and such cold is the most comfortable for the patient.

Diagram 2

Cryostimulation with liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide

Local cooling with vapors of liquefied gases, i.e. liquid nitrogen, air (-195ºC) or carbon dioxide (-75ºC). It is a fast, very convenient and patient-friendly way to cool any part of the body. In local cryostimulation, heat radiation plays a much smaller role than in the cryochamber. It should be added here that the use of CO2 intensifies the radiative heat exchange between the gas and the skin, because this gas absorbs infrared radiation, unlike nitrogen or dry air, which do not interact with thermal radiation (infrared). The cooling rate can be adjusted by the amount (velocity) of the gas stream, when using cold air or CO2, or by the distance of the nozzle from the tissue, when using LN2. In this way, it is possible to ensure that as much heat as possible is extracted, while not damaging the skin (cryodestruction).

From the above considerations, it is clear that the rapid removal of the heat dose does not have to be associated with the so-called extreme temperatures, and in the case of local cryotherapy, radiation exchange cannot be said to be the main method of heat transfer. The claim that the cryostimulation effect can only be induced by using cold below -100ºC is an abuse that has no justification from the point of view of heat transfer. In addition, in physics, the term temperature extremes refer to temperatures close to absolute zero, i.e. approx. -273ºC (0ºK.)

Cooling

Another ambiguity concerns the cooling effect, i.e. taking away heat in such a way as not to cause a stimulating effect. In diagram 3, it can be seen that cooling and cryostimulation are completely different methods of action in terms of the choice of cooling agent, application and use.

In the case of cooling, we use ice bags, gels, etc., i.e. agents considered by some authors as traditional or old-fashioned. From the point of view of effects, these are cheap and the most appropriate methods of slow, long-term maintenance of tissues at reduced temperatures to prevent their further traumatization after fresh injuries. The use of rapid cooling agents, such as ice water, liquid nitrogen vapor or CO2, is inappropriate in this case and may cause increased extravasation, edema and further tissue damage. In the case of fresh injuries, the most appropriate procedure is probably recommended in K. Knight's book, i.e. the PRICE procedure (Procetion, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).

Please note that ice bags absorb heat many times slower than ice water.

According to Prof. K. Spodaryk, the following are of fundamental importance for achieving the assumed biological (therapeutic) effect:

• the rate of cooling, i.e. the time it takes for the tissue to reach a low temperature,
• the temperature reached in the tissue,
• time of maintaining low temperature in the tissue.

Diagram 3

Additional parameters (without going into precise thermodynamic calculations), illustrating the phenomenon of cryotherapy:

Type of treatment	Zamierzony efekt	Dawka energii (zimna)	Strumień energii (zimna) moc cm2	Tempo schładzania	Temperatura osiągnięta na powierzchni skóry	Głębokość penetracji temperatury w głąb tkanki
cryosurgery	niszczenie tkanki	mała	bardzo duża	bardzo duże	od -2ºC do -190ºC	od kilku mm do kilku cm
cryostimulation	wzrost przepływu krwi, zwiększenie metabolizmu	średnia	średnia	duże		płytka
cooling	utrzymanie obniżonej temperatury tkanki	duża	mała	małe	max. ok. 0ºC	głęboka

In cryosurgical and cryotherapeutic practice, it is difficult to objectify the procedure. Proper cold application lies in the practice and knowledge of the surgeon or therapist. In my opinion, there are no publications by experienced cryotherapists on tips and procedures in the available literature. It is often seen as "sweeping" a given part of the body from a distance of 30 - 40 cm. In this case, the use of a cryogenic agent below -100ºC, and a time of more than 3 or more minutes, does not guarantee the achievement of a therapeutic effect.

I suggest paying attention to the different phases of the cryostimulation treatment:

I. Preparation for the procedure:

• Drying the surface of the application by wiping with spirit or just "sweeping" with cold cryogen,
• Estimation of the procedure time, as the time of 3 minutes is the average time. We provide a different time for a strongly muscular or fat person and a different one for a slim person with a low weight.

II. Cold dosage:

• Application of cold in a very intensive way, mainly on muscle tissue (indirectly through the skin) and less on the skin under which the bone is located (e.g. trochanters area).
• Reaching the stage of short-term whitening of the skin. This phase of the treatment requires special attention from the therapist and at the same time ensures quick, intensive heat reception.
• Reaching the stage of "dull pain", caused (according to one hypothesis) by narrowing of blood vessels, which ensures a sufficiently deep cooling and inducing the first phase of vascular play.

III. Activities after the procedure:

• Obserwacja, czy powstała czynna powierzchnia przekrwienia z wyraźnym odgraniczeniem od powierzchni skóry nie objętej zabiegiem (druga faza gry naczyniowej).
• Zaobserwowanie, (jeżeli są) bladych plam na zaczerwienionych powierzchniach. Są to bólowe punkty spustowe, które powinny być (sugestia) oziębione oddzielnie specjalnymi dyszami do kriopunktury.

Cryotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in Poland, mainly due to research and work conducted by academic and clinical centers with the involvement of many people. For my part, I wanted to use the above comments to signal existing ambiguities from the point of view of thermodynamics and the practice of using cryotherapy and to present my point of view.

Wiesław Brojek
Founder METRUM CRYOFLEX Sp. z o.o., Sp. k.