Ablation method for atrial fibrillation and organ preservation platform were rejected in Norway

Norway established in 2013 a framework for the introduction of innovations into the health care system through either a national or hospital-based health technology assessment. This framework is called the “New Method.”

In this framework, all innovations should undergo HTA before being funded. If the method concerns only one or two hospitals, the assessment shall be initiated by clinicians and ran at the hospital level. The final report is presented via a mini-HTA database. If the method is of national concern, it undergoes Single Technology Appraisal at the national level, followed by the funding decision by the group of payers (Decision Forum, Beslutningsforum).

At the end of January 2020, the Decision Forum released two negative assessments:

• Focal Impulse and Rotor Mapping ablation approach (FIRMap) and workstation RhytmView for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is rejected due to insufficient evidence on the efficacy of this device. See more details about the decision here
• Ex-situ perfusion platform called the Organ Care System Heart for organ preservation after the brain death of the donor is rejected due to insufficient evidence on the efficacy of this platform. See more details about the decision here

Also, the Decision Forum outlined that the method assessment on controlled donation after circulatory death using normothermic regional perfusion in patients who die after the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is submitted to open consultation with its period of 8 weeks.

See all “New Method” decisions from January 2020 in Norwegian here.

On our website, you can order a ready-made report on ablation of heart tissue for atrial fibrillation. Report includes information about three types of access to perform ablation:

• Transluminal access
• Percutaneous thoracoscopic access
• Open access

Click here to see details.

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