The DigniCap™ is a system which induces scalp hypothermia (scalp cooling) to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia (hair loss). Already in the 1960s researchers knew that a cold-induced constriction of the capillaries in the scalp obstructed cytotoxic drugs from reaching and possibly destroying the sensitive cells of the hair follicles. The problem, however, was how to administer the cooling. Previous attempts were often extremely uncomfortable or even painful for the patients and labor-intensive for the nursing staff. The DigniCap™ system is developed to overcome these shortcomings.
The DigniCap™ system has been developed based on clinical experiences as well as registering the views of patients. It is the result of extensive research and development by leading Swedish university hospitals in Umeå and Lund.
Since its launch in 2002, more than 4000 patients have been treated with the the DigniCap™ system in Scandinavia alone. More than 80% of the patients did not wigs after treatment with the DigniCap™ system. The secret behind the good treatment results with the DigniCap™ system is the meticulously controlled cooling of the scalp.
Some main benefits of the DigniCap system are:
- Constant & automatic monitoring of cooling temperature through built-in sensors in the cap.
- Digitized system with default setting and choice of adjustable settings.
- Two independent cooling channels in the cap to allow for even distribution of cooling through the scalp.
- Snug and lightweight cooling cap in silicon: weights 250 grams (8.8 ozs)
- Cap cools to treatment temperature in slow, progressive manner to ensure patients' comfort.
- Two patients can be treated simultaneously due to two independent systems in one machine.