Information for the public
What has NICE said?
The procedure raises no major safety concerns but there is not much good evidence about how well it works compared with catheter‑directed thrombolysis without ultrasound. It should only be used if extra steps are put in place to record and review what happens.
More research on this procedure is needed and NICE may look at it again if more evidence is published.
What does this mean for me?
Your health professional should fully explain what is involved in having this procedure and discuss the possible benefits and risks with you. In particular, they should explain the uncertainty about the evidence on how likely it is to improve your symptoms. You should also be told how to find more information about the procedure. You should only be asked if you want this procedure after having this discussion. Your health professional should ask you if details of your procedure can be collected.
NICE also noted that this procedure could reduce the dose of thrombolytic drug and the treatment time, compared with catheter‑directed thrombolysis alone.