Small cryotherapy devices for the treatment of skin warts

Abstract

Study purpose: Effectiveness of cryotherapy on skin wart models.

Materials and methods: Two small cryotherapy devices, Wartner and Wortie, were administered for 10″–60″ on tomatoes and potatoes used as skin wart models. Frozen surface and depth were evaluated by standardized photography and computer analysis. Tissue temperature at depths of 0.1–10 mm was assessed by an electronic thermometer during treatment.

Results: Cryotherapy induced a transient freezing of the tomato surface. The devices produced similar tomato tissue temperature reduction at all depths examined. At 5 mm, Wortie induced lower tissue temperatures than Wartner. Both devices induced potato tissue destruction to a depth of 0.5–1.2 mm at 40″ and 50″. Wartner induced a maximum destruction at 40″, Wortie led to a partially linear destruction depth with freezing time. The devices produced similar reduction of potato tissue temperature at all depths tested. Wartner induced more rapidly lower temperatures (1.5 mm, 10″, p = .001). Wortie induced lower tissue temperatures with time (0.1 mm, 50″, p = .025; 60″, p = .039; 5 mm, 60″, p = .05). None of the devices reached the lethal temperature of −22 °C.

Conclusions: Both cryotherapy devices produced sufficient tissue damage, at least in the potatoes, to a depth of 0.5–1.2 mm when applied for 40″ (commercially proposed time).

Keywords:

• Cryotherapy
• cryosurgery
• medical device
• experimental models
• tomato
• potato
• wart
• human

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and our ethical obligation as researchers, we are reporting that Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Dr. h.c. C.C. Zouboulis received funding from Trimb Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, that may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper. I have disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and I have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from this funding.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a research grant from Trimb Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.