This method is unique in Austria and often the only hope for severely ill patients with Lyme Disease (Neuroborreliosis). At the Biocannovea Medical Longevity Clinic in Vienna, patients with neuroborreliosis are treated by warming their blood to a core body temperature of up to 41.7 degrees (1) - since Borrelia bacteria reliably die off above a temperature of 41.6 degrees Celsius. This specialized method was developed during their proven mild hyperthermia (usually at 38.5 degrees Celsius). The medical experts at Biocannovea have gathered several years of experience with this special form of extracorporeal circulation. Here, we want to share a patient's successful health journey at Biocannovea:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/00365549609049067
Marie Reichardt, a doctor living in Berlin, could not help herself: A tick bite in 2006 followed by a characteristic rash (erythema migrans) could not be treated with antibiotics. She then went through "hell” for 15 years, as she puts it. When severe symptoms appeared three years later, the diagnosis was neuroborreliosis: Symtoms such as unbearable neck pain, neck stiffness and uncontrollably jerky head movements became a part of her daily life, 24/7. She also suffered from severe swallowing difficulties, joint pain (Lyme arthritis), and cognitive impairments: “I was no longer myself,” says Marie Reichardt.
She became noticeably forgetful and had trouble finding words, so her daughter advised her to see a psychiatrist. She was constantly exhausted, suffered from spinal and abdominal pain, and could no longer manage her daily life tasks without home help. “Anyone who hasn't experienced it cannot understand: it feels like your head has been severed from the rest of your body,” recalls Marie Reichardt, a native Frenchwoman: “I often thought of the guillotine. I was so desperate.”
Neuroborreliosis, a condition that may progress to Lyme borreliosis, is an infection of the nervous system caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The pathogen is primarily transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Treatment of the disease usually involves antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid neurological conditions such as chronic neuroborreliosis. Common late-stage symptoms include headaches, rash, fever, neck stiffness, dizziness, visual disturbances, and paralysis.
The prevalence of borreliosis infections in Europe varies geographically. It is estimated that in endemic areas, around 2-12% of tick bites may lead to neuroborreliosis. Meningoencephalitis or meningitis following tick bites is also a typical clinical picture. Treatment becomes increasingly difficult once the acute initiial phase of the infection is over. Borrelia microbes can cross the blood-brain barrier, disseminate to secondary organs such as the central nervous system, and encapsulate there making the disease almost untreatable.
Marie Reichardt tried many conventional medicine and alternative medical treatments during her 15-year-long ordeal in vain. Through the Internet, she came across the Biocannovea Longevity Medical Center, where extraordinary medically supervised hyperthermia (a blood warming method) is offered, which she eventually chose. In February 2024, she traveled from Berlin to Vienna for treatment after being thoroughly informed about the procedure by the medical team in an online consultation. According to scientific-medical literature and research, 41.7 degrees Celsius is a lethal temperature for Borrelia microbes. According to a study by the Max Planck Institute, Borrelia bacteria are killed above a temperature of 41.6 °Celsius. The temperature sensitivity of Borrelia cells was documented as early as 1996 in a Scandinavian study, which also found that all Borrelia strains die at 41.6 degrees Celsius.
Markus Girullis, a medical-technical expert at Biocannovea, is also familiar with this method. He works with the so-called HHO therapy daily: HHO stands for Hemo-Hyper-Oxygenation Perfusion and is an innovative form of blood filtration that is the gold standard of therapy at Biocannovea Longevity Medical Center: The blood is filtered using polymer resin beads, warmed to 38.5 degrees Celsius with hyperthermia, and enriched with medical oxygen. The Hemo-Hyper-Oxygenation Perfusion helps with serious illnesses, alleviates chronic symptoms, and promotes longevity. Patients from all over the world visit the clinic for this specific treatment.
Markus Girullis elaborates on intensified methods used for treating Borrelia: “The blood must be heated more to “crack” the Borrelia", says Girullis. “In this case, we use specific blood-compatible centrifuges.” 1.5-2 liters of blood per minute are circulated to reach the required temperature of 41.7 degrees Celsius. The blood is then purified by using specially designes medical filter cartridges which remove the dead Borrelia pathogens and other toxins such as heavy metals, viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the blood is enriched with high levels of oxygen.
Marie Reichardt was lightly sedated for the treatment. Despite not requiring general anesthesia, the therapy is still physically demanding. The human pituitary gland, which regulates body temperature, cannot induce the desired high core body temperature on its own. It is reached mechanically after about an hour and maintained for about 60 minutes. This type of blood warming and purification takes about two to three hours. “The body reacts to the sudden rise of temperature,", says cardiotechnician Girullis. "Not only the body, but also the Borrelia cells: In 80-90% of cases, the Borrelia cells die immediately; for the remaining 10%, the procedure must be repeated later, then the cells surely die."
An anesthesiologist, an intensive care physician, and a perfusionist are available throughout the treatment. Additionally, each patient is accompanied by a specialist nurse for the entire duration of the therapy. Marie Reichardt felt safe at every moment: “I fell asleep calmly because I felt so well taken care of. You are in the best hands here; the staff and all the specialists answered all my questions thouroughly and ensured that I felt good at all time."
This type of Borrelia therapy has been practiced by medical experts at the Biocannovea Longevity Medical Center for four years. They follow the guidelines of the German Society for Hyperthermia. Patients are back on their feet after about two weeks, and the symptoms of borreliosis disappear over the next few months. Marie Reichardt could leave the clinic soon after waking up from sedation. Her body was slightly swollen. She was exhausted but felt optimistic.
The therapeutic outcome may take up to twelve months to show after undergoing this special hyperthermia therapy. Blood test results will show a gradual reduction of Borrelia titers. Marie Reichardt felt better on the third day: "I feel a sense of relief in my neck. I am incredibly grateful," she says deeply touched. Biocannovea is delighted with the positive outcome of the innovative procedure and the excellent response. Markus Girullis expresses admiration for the patients. "Hats off and respect for our patients. They are our herores," says Markus Girullis.
