NICE Opens Consultation on Geko Device to Reduce Risk of VTE
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has opened a consultation on draft medical technology guidance on a device designed to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a deep vein of the legs. The draft guidance acknowledges that the geko device shows potential to reduce the risk of VTE, but says that there is currently insufficient evidence of its clinical effectiveness to support a recommendation for routine adoption in the NHS. NICE is recommending research in clinical settings to investigate the effect of the geko device on the incidence of deep vein thrombosis, compared with other established mechanical methods or no preventive treatment at all.
The geko device resembles a small wristwatch, with an adhesive surface. It is fixed to the back of the knee joint, and creates electrical impulses to stimulate a nerve in the leg, causing muscles to contract, which increases the blood flow in the veins. The idea is to imitate the changes in blood flow normally achieved by walking, but without the person having to move.