Coronary interventions

For the first time in three years, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) received data within the framework of the early benefit assessment of new examination and treatment methods (NUB) with high-risk medical devices according to §137h of Social Code Book (SGB) V. This involves seven invasive therapeutic cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, and urological procedures.

On May 6, 2021, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) announced the start of consultations about the design of three co-funded studies for cardiovascular methods in accordance with §137e SGB V.

In November 2020, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published one new interventional procedure guidance (for swallowable gastric balloon capsule for weight loss), five Medtech innovation briefings (for QuickChange Incontinence Wrap for urinary incontinence in men, Magseed for locating breast cancer lesions, Dexcom G6 for continuous glucose monitoring, and others). Also, one clinical guidance (for acute coronary syndromes) was updated.

On October 30, 2020, the Swiss Federal Statistics Office (UFS) published the 2021 version of the procedure code (CHOP) nomenclature in French and Italian. The version in the German language was published in July 2020. The most important changes regard cardiovascular and peripheral vascular interventions.

In October 2020, a completed mini-method assessment for the coronary sinus reducer stent (Neovasc) implantation in refractory angina pectoris treatment was published within the New Methods framework. The Oslo University Hospital carried out the evaluation. The technology was recommended for routine use in hospitals.

On August 6, 2020, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health published an Order (of August 4, 2020) listing the rotational atherectomy systems ROTAPRO and ROTALINK PLUS of the company Boston Scientific under Title V of the list of reimbursable products and services provided for in Article L. 165-1 of the Social Security Code (LPPR List).

The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) investigated the extent to which evidence is available for the benefit and harm of non-invasive computed tomography angiography (CTA) and stress diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in people with suspected coronary heart disease (CAD) using evidence mapping.

In July 2020, the Austrian Institute for Health Technology Assessment (AIHTA) published five decision support documents. The assessed technologies included implantation of a wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor in patients with advanced heart failure, intrauterine ultrasound-guided transcervical radiofrequency ablation, percutaneous transvascular implantation of a coronary sinus reducing stent, radiofrequency-induced intravesical chemohyperthermia for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, and Vascular photodynamic therapy with Padeliporfin (Tookad® solution).

The report presents a summary of reimbursement situation for use of Embolic Protection Devices during percutaneous cardiac procedures (PCI and TAVI). The analysis covers procedure coding, payment mechanism, reimbursement tariffs and policy restrictions in 11 EU countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) regularly publishes new decisions about add-on reimbursement for medical devices. The decisions made in November 2018 concern various types of devices. The decisions were brought for twenty-two (22) medical devices.

EUnetHTA is a network of HTA bodies within Europe that promote the development of health technology assessment in all European countries by working together. This article will present the plans for the projects that will be published in the near future.

Minister of Health announced that it is planned to re-equip 609 vascular surgery centers. In parallel, about 30 departments will be upgraded to the level of the regional vascular centers, which will increase their capacity. Ministry plans that these efforts will help to double number of primary coronary interventions in acute coronary syndrome in Russia.