Cryogenic gases—like liquid nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide—play a pivotal role in modern medicine. Stored at temperatures below –150 °C, these ultra cold substances offer unique properties that enhance patient care, support advanced therapies, and safeguard biological materials.
One of the most widespread medical uses of cryogenic gas is cryosurgery, which applies intense cold to selectively destroy diseased tissue. Liquid nitrogen, delivered via specialized probes, freezes and eradicates skin lesions, warts, and even certain cancers, all while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Minimally invasive and often performed in an outpatient setting, cryosurgery offers effective treatment with minimal scarring and quick recovery.
Cryogenic storage is essential for preserving cells, tissues, and biotherapeutics. Stem cells, blood specimens, and reproductive materials are frozen to ultra low temperatures to maintain viability long-term. This preservation is critical for applications ranging from fertility treatments to regenerative medicine and vaccine storage. Notably, some vaccines require storage as low as –90 to –60 °C, achievable only with cryogenic techniques.
Carbon dioxide is also a cryogenic gas with key healthcare applications. Medical-grade CO₂ is used in laparoscopy and endoscopic procedures to insufflate body cavities, improving visibility and allowing surgeons to operate in minimally invasive ways. Its low moisture content and purity reduce the risk of infections and improve patient safety.
Cryogenic liquid oxygen systems are standard in hospitals for delivering large volumes of oxygen. Stored at –183 °C in insulated tanks, it evaporates into high pressure gas for use in respiratory therapy, anesthesia, and emergency care. Compared to compressed gas cylinders, liquid oxygen allows more gas storage in less space—essential for hospitals and intensive care units.
Beyond cryosurgery, dermatologists and oncologists use cryogenic nitrogen to treat precancerous lesions and localized tumors. The targeted freezing method is especially useful for treating prostate, liver, and kidney tumors, where traditional surgery may be too risky.
Cryogenic environments facilitate cutting-edge biomedical research. Ultra low temperatures are necessary for preserving biomarkers, conducting high resolution imaging, and studying protein structures. Techniques like cryo electron microscopy (cryo EM) rely on rapid freezing to visualize molecules at atomic resolution—key in drug development and viral research.
Cryogenic gases offer the following benefits:
Handling these ultra cold gases requires careful attention to safety. Insulated storage vessels (Dewar flasks) prevent rapid boil off and pressure buildup. Personnel must wear protective gear, and protocols for handling spills or over-pressurization are essential. Maintaining purity is equally critical—particularly for medical-grade applications—to prevent contamination that could harm patients.
At James Oxygen & Supply, our delivery personnel are rigorously trained in safety standards when it comes to the safe handling of cryogenic gases. And we can provide on-site safety training for your employees.
James Oxygen & Supply has decades of experience in providing all sorts of gases to businesses and medical facilities all over the region. However your business uses cryogenic gases, you can count on James Oxygen & Supply.
If you’re in Western North Carolina, contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about how we can help meet your cryogenic gas needs.