New Technology

CaReS® - A new Technology

Progress in cell cultivation clearly makes CaReS® superior to other cartilage substitution methods.

CaReS® stands for a new, minimum invasive concept for the surgical treatment of large area damage to the knee joint. With CaReS® technology Arthro Kinetics has succeeded in overcoming the problems of cartilage transplantation experienced in traditional methods of cell cultivation. In vitro produced cells – as used with ACT – suffer substantial characteristic changes during the 2D cultivation process. Unlike with CaReS®, where a three-dimensional, collagen based gel matrix is used for the first time as a carrier medium for cell production. Directly after their removal from the patient’s cartilage, the cells are embedded in the 3D-Matrix. The cells are not affected in their structure or characteristics and multiply and synthesize in a substantially shorter time into sturdy cartilage tissue. CaReS® technology is applicable for defect sizes of up to 10 cm2. The surrounding cartilage structure is completely preserved during the whole regeneration process and full joint mobility is returned on a long-term basis.

Treatment studies at the RWTH Aachen University of Technology and clinical studies at more than 70 notable German and European hospitals confirm: The human joint cartilage replacement CaReS® is clearly superior to other cartilage substitution methods regarding biomechanical stability, convalescence time, surgery duration and trauma. By July 2006 more than 900 patients have successfully been treated with CaReS®.

CaReS® Advantages

CaReS® has numerous advantages for the patient. Besides the complete regeneration of the damaged joint cartilage other advantages include:

• Shorter surgery time Faster due to 3D cell cultivation
• High quality transplant
• Greater possible absorption of the surrounding material
• Less operational trauma
• Less and smaller joint swelling
• Shorter rehabilitation time
• Optimal long-term healing chances