CRYO-S® Electric II is the new-generation cryosurgery device from METRUM CRYOFLEX, intended for the controlled treatment of pathological tissue at low temperature.
In cryosurgery the targeted tissue is exposed to extremely low temperature, which causes controlled damage to the pathological tissue followed by its natural breakdown and removal. The method is minimally invasive and in many cases can be performed in an outpatient setting.
Cryosurgery in gynaecology
Cryosurgery is a well-established treatment option in a number of gynaecological conditions. Freezing produces controlled tissue damage in the treated pathological tissue, which is then followed by the body’s natural regenerative processes.
The treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis and, according to the manufacturer, does not require anaesthesia in most cases.
Gynaecological applications
The manufacturer lists the following indications:
- cervical ectopy,
- polypoid mucosal hyperplasia,
- abnormal colposcopic findings with negative cytology and histology,
- inflammatory lesions of the cervix,
- characteristic papillomas and condylomas of the vulva,
- cervical and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN/VIN I–II.
Benefits of cryosurgery in gynaecology
One important benefit of cryotherapy is that the zone of necrosis created by freezing does not continue to spread after the procedure in the way it can with some heat-based coagulation techniques.
Cryotherapy involves no tissue vaporisation and no smoke. This can be particularly important in procedures where the surgical smoke generated by laser or electrosurgical techniques would be a problem.
Cryoprobes – precise, targeted treatment
CRYO-S® Electric II can be used with cryoprobes of various designs, suited to treating different anatomical areas and lesions.
Applied to the tissue, the cryoprobe rapidly cools the target area. Thanks to its dedicated design, the working surface can be fitted precisely to the tissue being treated.
The working surface of the cryoprobes is gold-plated, which according to the manufacturer improves heat transfer, durability and efficiency. Parts not in direct contact with tissue stay warm during the procedure, reducing the risk of accidentally freezing non-target tissue.
The cryoprobes can be steam sterilised in an autoclave.
Cryosurgery in ophthalmology
Cryosurgery is also used in ophthalmology, where dedicated cryoprobes allow targeted freezing of various tissues of the eye.
The method can be applied in a minimally invasive way in the treatment of the retina, the eyelid and certain other ocular structures.
Ophthalmic applications
The manufacturer mentions the following indications:
- viral lesions of the cornea,
- ectopic or luxated lens,
- skin lesions of the eyelid,
- cryoepilation of ingrown eyelashes,
- retinopathy of prematurity,
- cryotherapy of retinal tumours,
- cyclocryotherapy in glaucoma,
- retinoblastoma,
- cryopexy in retinal detachment.
The cryoprobes allow the area to be treated to be localised precisely and frozen in a targeted way, while their carefully designed geometry helps minimise unwanted freezing of surrounding healthy tissue.
Cryosurgery in ENT practice
CRYO-S® Electric II can also be used in ENT practice, particularly in the treatment of chronic allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
Combined with dedicated cryoprobes, the system enables targeted, minimally invasive cold treatment in the nasal cavity.
ENT applications
The manufacturer mentions the following applications, among others:
- treatment of chronic allergic, non-allergic and vasomotor rhinitis,
- reduction of inferior turbinate hypertrophy,
- cryosurgical tonsillectomy,
- volume reduction of the tonsils in tonsillar hyperplasia,
- treatment of vessels predisposing to bleeding in recurrent epistaxis,
- as an adjunct in treating certain small lesions of the larynx and pharynx.
Cryosurgical treatment in rhinitis
During the procedure a defined area of the nasal mucosa is frozen with a cryoprobe operated using carbon dioxide (CO₂) or nitrous oxide (N₂O).
The controlled cold effect treats the targeted nerve, which according to the manufacturer can contribute to reducing the pathological symptoms of rhinitis.
Main steps of the treatment
- Patient preparation – the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, usually under local anaesthesia, or in a surgical setting.
- Introduction of the cryoprobe – into the appropriate anatomical area.
- Controlled freezing – treatment of the nerve may take several tens of seconds, and multiple treatment points can be used in one session.
- Regeneration phase – anatomical regeneration of the treated nerve occurs spontaneously over several weeks after the procedure.
- Repeatability – the treatment can be repeated if symptoms recur.
A dedicated cryoprobe for treating rhinitis
The METRUM CRYOFLEX research and development department has created a dedicated cryoprobe for targeted treatment of the posterior nasal cavity: L-30/135/50/RF.
The design of the probe allows precise targeting of the overactive nerves involved in the symptoms of rhinitis. According to the manufacturer, its ergonomic shape, low weight and automatic handling of freezing parameters support a fast and accurate procedure.
The operating algorithm of the cryoprobe is held on the built-in microchip, so no manual parameter setting is needed. The physician only determines the duration of freezing.
CRYO-S® Electric II – intelligent control
Electronic, chip-based communication operates between the device and the connected cryoprobe. The system automatically recognises the characteristics of the attached probe and configures itself accordingly.
Cleaning of the cryoprobe and the freezing process can be controlled with a foot switch or via the touchscreen. The system regulates gas pressure and gas flow automatically, so the operator does not need to make manual settings.
During the procedure the device displays the most important operating parameters – including cryoprobe temperature, gas pressure, gas flow and treatment duration – on the screen and also announces them through the voice communication system.
METRUM CRYOFLEX – Precise technology. Gentler procedures.