Healing cooling systems in medicine: Technotrans widens focus on the healthcare market

In the market of healthcare & analytics, Technotrans SE is broadening its solution competence. The thermal management specialist is currently working on several new cooling solutions for medical devices, as part of its “Future Ready 2025” strategy. Cooral®, developed by BrainCool AB, is one of the new products that is especially useful for chemotherapy patients. For oral use, cooling devices can provide relief from serious side effects of cancer treatment, such as open wounds or detachment of the mucous membrane lining the mouth. Upon completion of the clinical trials, the solution will be launched on the market this year. Technotrans is also developing a cooling cuff for the treatment of civilisation diseases and sports injuries.

“The healing effect of cold, for exampleapplied to bruises, has been proved for a long time in the medical context. There are numerous ways cooling can be used for this purpose. In view of the growing number of patients suffering from civilisation diseases or sports injuries, we are convinced that the demand for thermal solutions will increase considerably,” said Jan Kröger, managing director of termotek GmbH. The cooling solutions could be used to treat joint and tissue injuries, pain, rheumatoid and connective tissue diseases, as well as muscle relaxation and paralysis.

Technotrans solutions are currently being developed and tested for medical applications. Highlight of the new product line is the Cooral® cooling system by BrainCool AB: technotrans has worked with this European manufacturer of medical devices for several years on the development of cooling attachments for oral use by patients undergoing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is often used to treat cancer. Drugs used for this treatment may cause severe side effects, such as open wounds and detachment of the mucosal lining of the mouth (oral mucositis). In addition to causing considerable pain to patients, these side effects can also trigger inflammation or sepsis. The process of cooling decreases blood circulation and metabolism in the affected areas, preventing the active ingredients of the drugs from penetrating the mucous membranes of the mouth. Thus, oral mucositis is prevented or at least reduced. Currently, the device is in the final stages of development. The market launch is planned for later this year following a successful clinical trial.

Flexible areas of application and energy-efficient operation

A cooling cuff is another innovative product for treating civilisation diseases and sports injuries such as bruises and rheumatoid disorders. It consists of a trolley with a hose and a gel cuff for cooling the affected area. By using a smart 3D chip, the cooling output is precisely adapted to the patient. The device can also be used to warm the affected areas. In addition to its compact size, low noise level, and excellent reliability, the system only requires very little maintenance. For these devices, Technotrans uses natural refrigerants like propane and isobutane. Clinical trials will be conducted on the cooling cuff system in 2022.

Providing thermal management solutions, technotrans has been developing innovative solutions for the medical engineering sector for many years. Additionally, the company offers customised laser cooling solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. technotrans will expand its activities in this field in line with its “Future Ready 2025” group strategy, which identifies the healthcare and analytics sector as an important focus market. Michael Finger, spokesman for the Board of Management of technotrans SE, explains the company’s vision for this market: “Our aim is to develop compact, safe and technically sophisticated cooling and temperature control solutions for a wide capacity range.” The group will focus particularly strongly on a high level of energy efficiency and the environmental friendliness of the devices. “These characteristics are particularly important for systems for thermal applications in the medical sector. That is why sustainability and the lowest possible CO2 footprint play a decisive role in product development,” adds Michael Finger.

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