Use of liquid nitrogen in Russian single cryotherapy units

BACKGROUND: In the Russian Federation, single cryotherapy units (cryosaunas) using liquid nitrogen as a cryogen have been in operation for more than 25 years. Cryosaunas were developed as an alternative to expensive multi-person units. Clinical practice of using cryosaunas has shown their efficacy and safety and the medical indications for cryotherapy has significantly expanded. These achievements are not considered and even challenged by foreign scholars. AIM: Рromotion of reliable information about the operation principle and advantages of Russian cryosaunas, analysis of modern foreign publications on cryotherapy equipment and technologies, demonstration of the reasons for stagnation of the general cryotherapy method in Western Europe, promotion of a well-founded vision among the Russian professionals about the competitive advantages of various types of cryotherapy equipment. METHODS: The paper is written “based on” a research published by members of the IIR Working Group on Whole Body Cryotherapy/Cryostimulation, issued as an official IIR document. The authors of this publication claim that despite the rapid spread of the cryotherapy method, the technological foundations of the effectiveness of this method have not yet been identified, and the information of its clinical use is unreliable. This statement contradicts actual facts, since in Russia technological recommendations for effectiveness and safety have been enunciated and proved in relation to single-seat cryosaunas, information and clinical effects when using cryosaunas have been published, including in the IIR-affiliated publications, where members of the cryotherapy development working group published their findings. Inaccurate information on the possibilities of using the whole body cryotherapy method discredits cryogenic therapy in general and hinders speading of highly effective domestic equipment. RESULTS: The paper provides data on the discrepancy between a description of the operating principle of cryotherapeutic units with nitrogen cooling, description of the history of the development of this class of cryomedical equipment, description of the operating principle of single-seat cryosaunas, technological solutions that ensure therapeutic effectiveness and safety of equipment using liquid nitrogen as a cryogen. The paper provides Information on the reasons for stagnation of the general cryotherapy method in Western European countries, where the main one is the replacement of nitrogen cooling systems with compression refrigerators. CONCLUSION: Single-seat cryosaunas with nitrogen cooling are a highly effective means of non-drug medical care, the competitive advantages of which are based on the results of many years of research.