Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen (LN2) at roughly ‑196°C to destroy unwanted tissue — warts, actinic keratoses, skin tags, and many benign and pre-malignant lesions — by freezing it precisely. Brymill's handheld sprayers are among the most widely used devices for this in dermatology, podiatry, and primary care. The two most common choices, the CryAc and the CryAc-3, are built around the same proven design but suit different practices. Here's how to decide.
How handheld LN2 sprayers work
You fill the insulated flask with liquid nitrogen, select an interchangeable spray tip or aperture, and trigger a fine, controllable spray directly onto the lesion. Different tips and probes let you tailor the freeze zone, and the trigger gives you real-time control over freeze time and margin — the keys to effective, predictable treatment.
CryAc vs. CryAc-3: the main difference
- CryAc (full capacity): The flagship, higher-capacity unit. It holds more liquid nitrogen per fill, so it suits busy practices treating many lesions or larger areas between refills. It accepts the full range of Brymill tips, apertures, and probes for maximum versatility.
- CryAc-3 (lighter, lower capacity): A lighter, lower-capacity version that's easier to handle for shorter sessions and lower daily volumes. It uses the same accessory ecosystem but trades hold time for reduced weight and a more economical footprint.
- Tracker option: Brymill also offers temperature-tracking variants for clinicians who want to monitor tissue temperature during treatment — useful for standardized or deeper freezes.
Key factors to consider
- Treatment volume: High patient throughput favors the larger CryAc; occasional or lower-volume use fits the CryAc-3.
- Ergonomics: A lighter unit reduces hand fatigue during long clinic days.
- Tips and apertures: Different spray apertures and probe attachments control the size and depth of the freeze — stock the range that matches your case mix.
- Accessories and consumables: Plan for spray tips, probes, and a reliable LN2 supply and withdrawal device.
Which should you choose?
If you treat lesions throughout the day or handle larger areas, the CryAc's greater capacity means fewer refills and more versatility. If you perform cryosurgery occasionally or prefer a lighter instrument, the CryAc-3 delivers the same trusted performance in a more compact package.
Explore our Brymill Cryosurgical Sprayers & Starter Packages and the full range of cryosurgical tips, probes & accessories to build the right setup for your practice.