Why Choose Cryo C3 System?
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
Minimally Invasive |
Uses a fine cryoprobe placed percutaneously under ultrasound or fluoroscopy with no incision, no tissue removal, no heat injury. Procedure is done with local anaesthesia and requires no hospitalization. |
|
Safe Temperature-Controlled Cryoneurolysis |
Freezes the targeted nerve to –20°C to –100°C, enough to stop pain signalling by axon degeneration, but spares the protective layers (endoneurium, perineurium, epineurium). This prevents permanent damage. |
|
No Neuroma Formation |
Because the nerve sheaths remain intact, the axon regenerates along its natural pathway which leads to no tangled neuroma, no secondary neuropathic pain. |
|
Precise Targeting |
Integrated electrical stimulator (sensory & motor) allows precise nerve localization before freezing. Enhances accuracy and reduces risk of wrong-target lesion. |
|
Large & Effective Lesion |
Cryo forms a large spherical lesion (~–70°C at core) that encapsulates the probe, providing long-lasting relief (6 months–2 years). |
|
Low Inflammatory Response |
Extreme cold produces very low neuritis risk vs. heat-based techniques (RF), making it safer for sensitive nerves. |
|
Reusable Cryoprobes |
Cryoprobes are reusable up to 50 cycles (or 100 with service), making treatments cost-effective and sustainable. |
|
Pacemaker-Safe |
Unlike RF, cryo does NOT interfere with pacemakers or implanted stimulators. |
|
Fast Recovery |
No scarring, no heat damage, no bone involvement — patients often resume normal activity rapidly with minimal downtime. |
Clinical Safety and Efficacy
- Temporary nerve block without permanent injury — axons degenerate but connective tissue pathways remain preserved.
Enables natural, accurate regeneration over months. - Pain relief lasts 6 months to 2 years depending on nerve type and condition.
Re-treatment is possible anytime. - No neuroma formation, unlike other destructive techniques.
- Very low inflammatory response, reducing risk of neuritis.
- No systemic toxicity, unlike chemical ablation.
- Ideal for both spine and peripheral nerves (facet, SIJ, occipital, intercostal, knee, hip, post-surgical pain).
- Suitable for patients who cannot undergo RF due to heat risks or pacemaker dependence.
Comparison Between Cryo C3 System vs RF vs Chemical Ablation
|
Feature |
Cryo C3 (Cold) |
RF (Heat) |
|
Temperature |
–40°C to –60°C |
40–90°C |
|
Tissue Effect |
Preserves nerve sheaths; axon regenerates |
Destroys axon + surrounding sheaths |
|
Neuroma Formation |
None |
Can occur |
|
Inflammation |
Very low |
Moderate–high |
|
Pain Relief Duration |
6–24 months, repeatable |
6–12 months |
|
Safety for Pacemaker |
Safe |
Not suitable |
|
Lesion Shape |
Large spherical lesion |
Linear/ovoid |
|
Guidance |
U/S or Fluoroscopy |
U/S or Fluoroscopy |
Why Doctors & Patients Choose the Cryo C3 System
1. Safe, Cold-Based Technology (No Heat Damage)
Cryo stops pain transmission by cooling nerves without burning or damaging surrounding tissues.
Unlike RF, it does not destroy nerve sheaths, ensuring safer recovery.
2. No Neuroma, No Secondary Pain
Cryo preserves the endoneurium/perineurium/epineurium, so axons regenerate naturally without neuroma.
3. Long-Lasting Relief, Natural Regeneration
Pain reduction lasts 6 months to 2 years, and nerves heal cleanly with accurate regeneration paths.
4. Highly Precise Targeting
Integrated sensory and motor stimulation ensures exact nerve targeting before freezing.
5. Ideal for Spine & Peripheral Pain
Effective for facet joint pain, SIJ, occipital neuralgia, intercostal nerves, knee/hip nerves, post-thoracotomy, post-mastectomy, and more.
6. Faster Recovery vs Heat Ablation
Cryo preserves nerve structure → no functional loss, enabling quick return to normal activity.
Who Can Benefit?
Cryo C3 is suitable for patients with:
- Facet joint pain (cervical/thoracic/lumbar)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Discogenic pain
- Occipital neuralgia
- Intercostal or post-thoracotomy pain
- Post-mastectomy pain
- Peripheral nerve entrapment pain
- Knee, hip, shoulder chronic pain
- CRPS and neuropathic pain syndromes
The Procedure
|
Step |
Details |
|
Duration |
40–60 minutes depending on nerve target |
|
Anaesthesia |
Local + optional sedation |
|
Guidance |
Fluoroscopy or ultrasound + electrical stimulation |
|
Freezing Cycle |
60–180 seconds at –40°C to –60°C |
|
Defrost Cycle |
~15 seconds for safe removal |
|
Recovery |
Minimal downtime; patients resume activity quickly |
|
Repeatability |
Procedure can be repeated anytime without risk |
For Doctors: Technical Overview
CryoMechanism
- Cryoprobe cooled by CO₂ or N₂O gas via Joule–Thomson effect
→ rapid freezing at probe tip
→ localized axon degeneration
→ preserved connective tissue.
Temperatures
- –40°C to –60°C (2nd degree Sunderland axonotmesis)
→ reversible nerve injury ideal for temporary denervation.
Hardware Safeguards
- Probe recognition
- Integrated electrical stimulator
- Automated rising procedure
- Patient data management + barcode reader
- Reusable probes (50–100 cycles)
Lesion Characteristics
- Cryo lesion surrounds the probe symmetrically
- Large, spherical, predictable lesion
- Minimal inflammation and no carbonizatio
Back Pain Relief (Surgical Treatment)
RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation
Why Choose RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)?
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
Minimally invasive |
Performed percutaneously with RF cannulas (17–22G) under fluoroscopy or ultrasound. no incision, no muscle damage, no bone removal. Suitable for outpatient treatment. |
|
Precise nerve targeting |
Built-in direct sensory and motor nerve stimulation ensures accurate electrode placement and reduces risk of wrong-target lesion. (Motor: 2–5 Hz, Sensory: 50–100 Hz) |
|
Temperature-controlled lesioning |
RFA uses digital temperature regulation (40–90°C) with continuous monitoring of temperature, impedance, and power → stable, predictable lesion creation. |
|
Multiple modes |
Continuous RF (thermal lesion) or Pulsed RF (below 42°C) for patients who need pain modulation without nerve destruction. |
|
Flexible electrode configurations |
Supports monopolar and bipolar configurations; LG2 allows dual-channel simultaneous ablation for greater efficiency. |
|
Large selection of RF cannulas |
Straight, curved, or hybrid cannulas in multiple lengths (50–150 mm) and active tips (2–15 mm) for different anatomical targets. |
|
Neutral electrode monitoring (CQM) |
Real-time contact quality monitoring ensures stable RF circuit and prevents incomplete lesions. |
|
Reduced procedure time |
Quick lesion cycles of 60–90 seconds minimize treatment time and patient discomfort. |
|
Proven long-lasting relief |
RFA provides months to years of relief in facet-mediated back/neck pain, radicular pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and sympathetic syndromes. |
Clinical Safety and Efficacy
- Used for decades, extensively studied for chronic pain treatment (back, neck, head, extremities).
- Precise and safe when indications and target points are correctly identified.
Provides effective interruption of pain conduction. - Performed under local anaesthesia, minimal patient stress, suitable for outpatient clinics.
- Real-time monitoring of temperature, power, and impedance ensures controlled energy delivery and predictable lesion size.
- Pulsed RF option avoids tissue coagulation (<42°C), ideal for neuropathic pain where nerve preservation is desired.
Recommended settings: 40–60 V, 2 Hz, 20 ms pulse duration. - Facet denervation, sympathetic blocks, discogenic pain, radiculopathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and post-trauma pain are well-established indications.
Comparison: RFA vs Cryo
|
Feature |
RFA (Heat) |
Cryo (Cold) |
|
Temperature |
40–90°C |
–40°C to –60°C |
|
Tissue Effect |
Controlled thermal coagulation |
Axon freeze (sheath preserved) |
|
Duration of Relief |
6–12 months |
6–24 months |
|
Neuroma Risk |
Possible |
None |
|
Inflammation |
Moderate |
Very low |
|
Precision |
High (temp + impedance controlled) |
High (nerve stim + freezing front) |
|
Ideal For |
Facet denervation, nerve pain, trigeminal neuralgia |
Peripheral nerves, SIJ, post-surgical pain |
Why Doctors & Patients Choose RFA
1. High Precision, High Control
RF generators offer temperature-controlled lesioning with continuous feedback:
- temperature
- power
- impedance
— ensuring consistent lesion size and safety.
2. Proven Long-Term Relief
Ideal for chronic facet pain, nerve root pain, and sympathetic dysfunction.
Relief often lasts 6–12 months or longer, depending on nerve regeneration.
3. Targeted Treatment with Sensory/Motor Testing
Ensures the correct nerve is treated while avoiding motor branches.
(Motor: 2–5 Hz; Sensory: 50–100 Hz)
4. Flexible Treatment Options
- Continuous RF for thermal ablation
- Pulsed RF for neuromodulation without coagulation
5. Minimally Invasive With Quick Recovery
No incision, minimal discomfort, and fast return to daily activities.
Who Can Benefit?
RFA is suitable for patients with:
- Facet joint pain (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Chronic axial back or neck pain
- Discogenic pain
- Radicular nerve pain
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Sympathetic pain syndromes (CRPS, sympathetically maintained pain)
- Post-herpetic neuralgia
The Procedure
|
Step |
Details |
|
Duration |
40–60 minutes depending on target nerve |
|
Anaesthesia |
Local anaesthesia ± sedation |
|
Guidance |
Fluoroscopy or CT, plus electrical stimulation verification |
|
Lesion Cycle |
60–90 seconds at 70–90°C (temp-controlled) |
|
Pulsed RF Option |
<42°C; 3–10 minutes neuromodulation |
|
Recovery |
Minimal downtime, outpatient procedure |
|
Follow-up |
Routine clinical review; re-ablation possible |
For Doctors: Technical Overview
RF Lesion Modes
- Thermal RF (60–90°C) → coagulates pain fibers
- Pulsed RF (<42°C) → neuromodulates without tissue destruction
Control Systems
- Temperature-controlled
- Power-controlled
- Preset temperature profiles
- Continuous impedance measurement
Stimulation Capability
- Direct sensory & motor stimulation for precision
(Motor: 2–5 Hz, Sensory: 50–100 Hz)
Electrode Options
- Cannulas: 50–150 mm, 17–22G
- Active tips: 2–15 mm
- Monopolar or bipolar configurations
Features
- Dual-channel simultaneous RF
- Touchscreen interface
- Up to 35 preset programs
- CQM (neutral electrode monitoring)