NICE Consults on New Device Used in Treating Complex Disease of the Heart Artery
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has opened a consultation on its draft guidance recommending the E-vita Open Plus device for treating complex aneurysms and dissections of the thoracic aorta in a carefully defined patient population.
The E-vita Open Plus is a device consisting of two sections joined together which allows two areas of damaged aorta to be treated in one procedure. Once in place, the blood flows through the device instead of into the aneurysm or the tear in the wall of the aorta.
The device can also replace part of the aorta if it is badly damaged. The blood in the aneurysm or the damaged wall of the aorta eventually forms a clot, posing no further risk. In patients who would normally need a two stage repair operation because of the extent of disease or damage affecting their aorta, use of the device can eliminate the need for a second procedure, together with the associated risks and costs.