Med Tech-related technology assessments and clinical guidelines from NICE in the first half of March 2018

Interventional Procedure Guidance is developed for most of the novel interventional procedures entering the English market. The program focuses solely on the clinical evidence. Recommendations may vary from ‘for research only’ to ‘for use with standard arrangements for clinical governance, consent, and audit.' Recommendations are not binding, although they are followed by providers and commissioners.

In the first half of March NICE published two new Interventional Procedure Guidance:

• Interventional procedures guidance Laparoscopic mesh pectopexy for apical prolapse of the uterus or vagina, which covers evidence-based recommendations on laparoscopic mesh pectopexy to hold the uterus or the top of the vagina in place. Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of procedure is insufficient in quality and quantity. Therefore, it should only be used in the context of research.
• Interventional procedures Mosaicplasty for symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee, which covers n mosaicplasty in people with symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee. This involves taking healthy cartilage from the edge of the joint and inserting it into drilled tunnels in the damaged site. Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of mosaicplasty for knee cartilage defects is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

Technology appraisals are recommendations on the use of new and existing medicines and treatments within the NHS. These can be medicines, medical devices, diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures and health promotion activities.

Technology appraisal guidance Autologous chondrocyte implantation using chondrosphere for treating symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee covers evidence-based recommendations on autologous chondrocyte implantation using chondrosphere (Spherox) for treating symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee in adults.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) using chondrosphere is recommended as an option for treating symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the femoral condyle and patella of the knee (International Cartilage Repair Society grade III or IV) in adults, only if:

• the person has not had previous surgery to repair articular cartilage defects;
• there is minimal osteoarthritic damage to the knee (as assessed by clinicians experienced in investigating knee cartilage damage using a validated measure for knee osteoarthritis);
• the defect is over 2 cm2.

See full details here.

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