Using cryotherapy (cryolesion) techniques, the inomed C3 CryoSystem allows the pain therapist to "put the pain on ice". Effective treatment of pain has been the goal for clinicians and pain treatment experts throughout human history. Both acute and chronic pains represent a huge challenge for patients, as well as their clinicians, and diminishes the patient’s quality of life. The pain-relieving effect of cold has been known since ancient times. By building on the past and using the latest advances in cryotechnology and pain relief, patients and clinicians are now choosing the state-of-the-art inomed C3 CryoSystem for cryotherapy and pain treatment.
Treatment-resistant, chronic pain in the spinal column region is one of the main indications of cryotherapy and thus the main area of application for the inomed C3 CryoSystem. When medicated pain or injection treatments for chronic back pain do not bring relief, neurodestructive procedures such as cryotherapy and thermolesion >> can be the solution. Using the inomed C3 CryoSystem and disrupting the conduction pathways of pain with cryotherapy, effective pain relief can be delivered to the patient. The precision cryoprobes from inomed allow for a targeted application of the cooling effect on the affected peripheral nerve.
The basic principle of cryotherapy requires that the affected nerve is located and identified using imaging and visual techniques, followed by precise targeting using the built-in electrical stimulator in the inomed C3 CryoSystem. Once the nerve has been located and targeted, the CryoSystem probe starts the process and freezes the nerve. During the freezing process, an ice ball of about 3-5 mm in diameter is formed on the nerve. This process takes around 2 minutes and reduces the temperature of the nerve to approximately -60 °C. The inomed C3 CryoSystem provides the user with a choice of gases to enable the freezing process. These include carbon dioxid (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) gas supplies and adaptors are available to allow connection to the respective gas cylinders. Freezing causes axonotmesis of nerves (disruption of the axon), but the connective tissue remains intact and allows the nerve to regenerate. In view of the precise targeting of the sensory nerve, there is no direct risk from cryotherapy to the nerves responsible for motor activity and sensitivity.
The main indication for cryotherapy is treatment-resistant, chronic pain in the spinal column region, most commonly lumbar facet syndrome. Additionally, they include:
This technique offers significant pain relief lasting several months, while additional treatment procedures, such as physiotherapy, can ensure further and continued pain relief. The cryotherapy procedure can be repeated at any time.