Spoľahliví partneri nielen v neurorehabilitácii

The Czech company BTL, known in Slovakia as BTL Slovakia, has been developing technologies for medicine and rehabilitation for three decades. From physiotherapy devices it is gradually moving into robotics for neurorehabilitation and the digitization of cardiology examinations. The goal is to speed up treatment, improve outcomes, and reduce the strain on both patients and healthcare staff.

From a Prague workshop to a global network

BTL was founded in 1993 in the Czech Republic and today operates with direct subsidiaries in more than 85 countries. It employs approximately 3,500 people, including over 400 developers, mainly at the Prague headquarters. The company focuses on two divisions—medical and aesthetic—while in healthcare it covers primarily physiotherapy and cardiology. Among its well-known devices are shockwave systems with an electroacoustic design for long applicator life and a high-power laser with a very powerful continuous mode.

Robotic rehabilitation: relearning to walk and grasp

In neurorehabilitation, BTL is building its own line, BTL Robotics, focused on patients after a stroke and other neurological injuries. The flagship is the BTL Argate device—a robot for gait training with flexible, movable plates that enables very precise and repeatable movement. Thanks to quick patient setup and high training intensity, the operator can handle up to two patients per hour. The device is suitable for children from about 80 cm up to adults around 210 cm in height and approximately up to 175–180 kg in weight.

For fine hand motor skills, BTL uses solutions under the Gloreha by BTL brand, created by the acquisition of an Italian developer of a robotic glove. The system consists of a cable-driven glove, a training table, and offloading orthoses, enabling passive, active, and assisted exercise. The therapist can also guide movement with a sensor glove; bilateral therapy and so-called serious games are available. Game-based tasks increase motivation and at the same time provide a measurable outcome for both the patient and the team.

When data travel instead of patients

In cardiology, BTL offers the software solution BTL Connectin, which moves examinations into a fully digital form. Data are immediately made available to specialists across the hospital, eliminating the circulation of paperwork and delays for the patient. It includes a tool for interpreting results based on a large data model, developed in collaboration with cardiologists, which shortens evaluation time. The system can be integrated into existing hospital information systems and also eliminates printing on thermal paper.

Diversification extends beyond software as well: new pulsed catheters for faster treatment of arrhythmias are in the human study phase. The subsidiary Benemit was the first to obtain registration in the European feed register for cultivated “meat” intended for use in feed, which is expected to reduce the environmental burden of production. BTL has been in Slovakia since 1996 and, in addition to supplying devices, places emphasis on service and long-term partnerships with healthcare professionals.

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